FUNAAB Holds Maiden Registry Symposium, 2nd Award Ceremony

In a resounding affirmation of the vital role of Non-Teaching staff in the University system, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde has described the Registry as the “Engine Room” of the University, applauding its strategic importance in sustaining smooth administrative operations.

The Vice-Chancellor made the assertion while speaking at the maiden edition of the Registry Symposium and the Second Spotlight Award Ceremony, held today, July 28, 2025. The event combined institutional learning with staff recognition, focusing on the theme of Pension Management in the University: FUNAAB as a Case Study.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi, for spearheading such an impactful initiative that not only builds capacity but also celebrates outstanding administrative personnel. Sharing personal reflections, Prof. Kehinde emphasised that the contributions of Non-Teaching staff are critical to the University’s success, hence the need for continuous recognition through platforms like the Spotlight Awards.

He congratulated the 2025 award recipients, Mr. Olamilekan Soetan and Mr. Amos Olaniyan, appreciating their exemplary service, integrity, and dedication. In a show of support and encouragement, the Vice-Chancellor announced a personal donation of ₦30,000 in addition to the ₦20,000 pledged by the Registrar for each awardee while also presenting them with their certificates and cash awards.

Speaking earlier, the Registrar had expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support and physical presence, despite a busy schedule. He described the event as both a celebration and an intellectual engagement platform aimed at improving administrative efficiency. Dr. Adeniyi lauded the awardees for their commitment to excellence and urged all staff to draw inspiration from their achievements. He further commended the organisers for curating a well-rounded programme that reflected the Registry’s forward-thinking vision.

Chairperson of the Spotlight Committee, Mrs. Oluwakemi Banuso, in her Welcome Address, acknowledged the importance of the event, announcing that the award scheme has now been expanded to include junior staff. She called for greater participation from the Heads of Units to increase the number of nominations. 

Highlighting the award criteria, which are punctuality, integrity, and dedication, she unveiled Mr. Soetan and Mr. Olaniyan as this quarter’s honourees, expressing hope that their recognition would raise the bar across the Registry and beyond.

The symposium’s academic highlight was a lecture by Mr. Aderemi Adebayo, Principal Assistant Registrar and Pension Desk Officer, who traced the evolution of Nigeria’s pension system from the 1955 Pension Ordinance to the current Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). Using FUNAAB as a case study, he enlightened participants on the University’s pension management practices, stressing the importance of early retirement planning and financial literacy for staff.

The event witnessed a remarkable turnout, including the Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga, and several top University officials such as the immediate past Acting Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu; Deputy Registrar I, Executive Affairs (Vice-Chancellor’s Office), Mr. Moses Ayanda; Deputy Registrar I, Senate and Admissions, Dr. Abdussobur Salaam, along with numerous Registry staff members from across the University. 

Meanwhile, the combined event reflected the Registry’s commitment to professional development and inclusive recognition.

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