FUNAAB Marks 33rd Annual Christmas Carol Service, Celebrates Legacy of Faith and Thanksgiving

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has celebrated its 33rd Annual Christmas Carol Service, reaffirming a long-standing spiritual tradition that dates back to 1993 when the University was temporarily located at the old Grammar School, Isale-Igbein.

Held under the theme “Jesus, The Name Above Every Other Name,” the Service featured soul-lifting hymns, fervent prayers and thanksgiving, as members of the University’s Christian community gathered to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on God’s enduring faithfulness to the institution.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, expressed profound gratitude to God for preservation, progress and divine guidance throughout the year. He described 2025 as a landmark year for FUNAAB, marked by significant achievements in teaching, research, innovation and infrastructural development.

He commended staff and students for their resilience, dedication and unwavering commitment to the University’s core values, adding that the Christmas season symbolises love, humility and hope. He charged members of the University community to embody compassion, unity and selfless service within and beyond the campus.

In his welcome address, the University Chaplain, Prof. Christian Ikeobi, reflected on God’s faithfulness to FUNAAB over the decades, recalling that the Christmas Carol tradition began in 1993 at Isale-Igbein. He highlighted the institution’s steady growth and rising profile, reaffirming FUNAAB’s position as Africa’s leading University of Agriculture and expressing confidence in its expanding global relevance.

Delivering the sermon, the Guest Minister, Brother Segun Ariyo of Potters House Christian Mission, Nigeria, spoke on the supremacy of the name of Jesus, describing it as “a name above every other name.” He urged Christians to build lives anchored on integrity and righteousness, stressing that a good name surpasses wealth, influence or spiritual gifts.

Quoting Philippians 2:9–11, he emphasised that God exalted Jesus and bestowed upon Him a name before which every knee must bow, highlighting the authority of the name of Jesus over sickness, adversity and all opposing forces.

The Service was attended by principal officers and distinguished members of the University community, including the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; Mrs. Margaret Omisope, representing the Bursar; Dr. Taiwo Koleade, representing the University Librarian; Dean, COLBIOS, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde; Dean, Student Affairs, Prof. Festus Adeosun; Director, CEADESE, Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu; Dean, COLAMRUD, Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya; Director, ICGNS, Prof. Remi Aduradola; Chairperson, Ceremonials Committee, Prof. Temitope Ajadi; and the immediate past Bursar, Mr. Chukwuwinke Ezekpeazu, among others.

Highlights of the Service included special Christmas renditions by the Chapel of Grace Choir and choreographed performances by members of the Chapel, including children from neighbouring communities, adding colour and vibrancy to the celebration.