FUNAAB Fashion Designers-in-the-Making Showcase Talent, Innovation at Final Year Exhibition

Fashion designers-in-the-making from the Department of Clothing and Textiles Design, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, June 4, 2026, showcased their talent, creativity and innovative abilities at the Department's 400-Level Final Year Exhibition held at the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS) Exhibition Hall.

The Exhibition, themed "From Culture to Commerce: Inspiring Entrepreneurial Innovation," featured an impressive collection of clothing and textile products conceptualised, designed and produced by the graduating students as part of their academic training. 

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, commended the College of Food Sciences and Human Ecology (COLFHEC) and the Department for sustaining an initiative that effectively bridges the gap between the University and society.

According to him, the Exhibition serves as a vital platform that brings together the "town and gown," enabling students to demonstrate their talents while showcasing the practical outcomes of university education. He encouraged the graduating students to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, stressing that the skills acquired during their training would position them for success in the highly competitive fashion and textile industry.

Speaking earlier, the Ag. Head of Department, Dr. Doyin Labode, described the exhibition as a longstanding academic tradition designed to provide final-year students with an opportunity to display the knowledge and practical skills acquired throughout their programme. He noted that the event also promoted self-reliance and entrepreneurship while creating opportunities for members of the public to appreciate and patronise students' works.

The Course Lecturer, Dr. Olufunmilayo Braide, explained that the annual "Open Day" exhibition, sustained by the Department for over 12 years, was established to bridge the gap between the University and the fashion industry. She stated that the programme exposes students to industry realities by connecting them with successful practitioners, potential mentors and stakeholders who can support their professional growth.

Dr. Braide further highlighted the significance of the Clothing and Textile profession, describing clothing as one of humanity's basic needs alongside food and shelter. She acknowledged the participation of the renowned fashion designer, Ade Bakare, winner of the London Fashion Show 2024, in the programme to inspire students towards professional excellence.

Also speaking, the Orunto of Owu Kingdom, Chief Biodun Lasile, urged the students to complement academic excellence with practical skills, creativity and personal development. He emphasised the importance of innovation, originality and continuous learning in achieving success within the fashion and textile industry.

In her remarks, the Executive Director of Asani Foundation and Director of ATJ Textiles, Dr. Lizzy Adeboyejo, encouraged the students to embrace research, innovation and lifelong learning as essential tools for standing out in a highly competitive labour market. She noted that consistent value addition remains a key determinant of professional success.

Highlights of the exhibition included practical demonstrations, workshops, project defence sessions and a "jumbo sales" segment, which enabled visitors to interact with exhibitors and purchase selected products on display.

Dignitaries at the event included the Dean, COLFHEC, Prof. Adebukunola Omemu; Director, CENTS, Prof. Sakiru Akinbode, and the Chairman, ASUU-UNAAB Chapter, Dr. Ola-Olusegun Oyedele.

Others were the Olori of Owu Kingdom, Olori Mariam Matemilola; Rev. (Dr.) Toyin Adeyemo (Rtd); Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Abeokuta South Chapter, Apostle Titus Alalade; and the Oluroko of Erunmu Kingdom, Oba Waheed Ayoade, among others.