FUNIS Begins 4th Annual Retreat, Urges Staff to Embrace Innovation and Excellence

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School, FUNIS, has commenced its 4th Annual Retreat with a charge to staff to embrace change, uphold professional ethics and adopt innovative approaches to teaching and administration.

Declaring the retreat open on September 8, 2026, the Chairman of the FUNAAB Schools Management Board and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olusegun Idowu, described the programme as an important platform for strengthening the School’s mission, improving performance and advancing institutional excellence.

Prof. Idowu commended the teaching and other categories of staff for their dedication. He urged them to raise their standards, exceed expectations, take ownership of established standards and explore innovative ways of improving their work.

He noted that the retreat would provide an opportunity for constructive dialogue, experience-sharing and the development of practical insights to enhance service delivery and contribute to the growth of the School.

The Board Chairman further urged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the retreat and ensure that its lessons and outcomes translate into improved performance in their respective responsibilities.

Also speaking, the Principal of FUNIS, Mr. Olusola Ilori, described the retreat as a platform for professional renewal, self-development and institutional growth. He charged staff to “learn, unlearn and relearn,” stressing that knowledge acquired must translate into improved practices and better service delivery.

Mr. Ilori said meaningful change begins with individuals and called on every staff member to take responsibility for driving positive transformation within the School and to continually add value to students, whom he described as the primary beneficiaries of their efforts.

Delivering a lecture titled, “Re-imagining Change: Building Resilience, Rebranding, and Reigniting Passion for the Teaching Profession,” Dr. Matthew Oose urged teachers to develop resilience, renew their passion for teaching and commit to producing students who demonstrate excellence, integrity, accountability and resilience.

In the second lecture, titled “Re-imagining Ethics and Excellence: Planning, Preparation, Punctuality, Presence, and Meeting Deadlines,” the Senior Deputy Registrar, Senate and Admissions, Dr. Abdussobur Salaam, identified the five principles as key pillars of professional excellence. He stressed that they demonstrate responsibility, accountability and commitment to institutional goals.

Dr. Salaam explained that planning and preparation require deliberate readiness, punctuality demonstrates respect for time and professionalism, presence requires active engagement and accountability, while meeting deadlines reflects commitment and responsibility. He urged staff to uphold the principles as non-negotiable standards for personal and institutional excellence.

The retreat is expected to feature further discussions and sessions aimed at improving teaching, administration and service delivery in line with institutional goals.