FUNAAB Commissions Revitalised Zoo Museum as NSPRI Boss Champions Alumni, Private Sector Support for University Growth

The Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Sanni, has urged alumni, philanthropists, and private sector stakeholders to actively support Nigerian universities in driving sustainable development.

He made the call during the commissioning of the revitalised Zoological Park Museum of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), alongside the unveiling of a donated female horse and a newly constructed enclosure for Ungulates—projects personally funded by him.

Prof. Sanni, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) of FUNAAB, said his contribution was inspired by gratitude and a sense of responsibility to the institution that shaped his academic and professional journey. He emphasised that sustainable progress in education and research requires collaborative efforts beyond government support, noting that alumni engagement and private sector partnerships are vital to institutional growth.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Dean, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), and Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (CODAD), Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya, commended Prof. Sanni for his generosity and vision. He described him as Primus inter pares (first among equals) and prayed for divine blessings on him for his selfless service to the University.

The Director of FUNAAB Zoological Park, Prof. Olufemi Sammy Sam-Wobo, expressed appreciation to Prof. Sanni for his continuous financial, material, and moral contributions to the Park’s growth. He disclosed that the facility now houses nearly 90 animal species, adding that the revitalised museum would enhance the Park’s research, educational, and recreational functions.

Prof. Sam-Wobo also lauded the FUNAAB Alumni Association for replacing the ostriches recently lost at the Park, describing their gesture as a remarkable demonstration of collective responsibility and solidarity.

Distinguished guests, including Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH); Prof. Morenike Dipeolu, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); and Prof. Adewale Dipeolu, former Dean, COLAMRUD, delivered goodwill messages, praising Prof. Sanni’s philanthropy and commitment to the University’s progress.

Prof. Morenike Dipeolu commended the donor’s consistent record of institutional support and urged other alumni and well-wishers to emulate his example in advancing the Zoological Park and other developmental initiatives at FUNAAB.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), Prof. Adebukunola Omemu; Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof. Bolarinwa Senjobi; Director, Institute of Communication and General Studies (ICGNS), Prof. Remi Aduradola; former Dean, COLFHEC, Prof. Folake Henshaw; and the Global President of FUNAAB Alumni Association, Mr. Bolaji Gbadamosi.

The event concluded with a guided tour of the revitalised Museum and animal enclosures, where participants lauded the improved facilities and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting wildlife education, research, and conservation at FUNAAB.