FUNIS Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Royal Blessings and Reflections on Two Decades of Excellence

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School (FUNIS) marked its 20th Anniversary on Saturday, October 19, 2024, with a grand celebration that received royal blessings from His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso, CON, Karunwi III Oranmiyan, the Osile Oke-Ona Egba, and his wife, Olori Yetunde Tejuoso. As the Royal Father and Mother of the Day, the duo offered prayers for the continued growth and prosperity of the school, its staff, and its students.

                                                                   A cross-section of dignitaries on the High-Table

Reflecting on the early days of FUNIS, Oba Tejuoso and Olori Yetunde reminisced about enrolling their children as the first students of the school, a move inspired by their passion for its development. They expressed deep gratitude for the school’s impressive progress over the past two decades, noting its remarkable achievements and consistent record-breaking academic performances.

In his Welcome Address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, congratulated all stakeholders on the occasion and assured attendees that FUNAAB would continue to build on FUNIS’ successes. He praised the dedication of the school’s past and present staff and principals, attributing the institution's sustained reputation for excellence to their efforts.

The event’s Board Chairman, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, who also serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), hailed the day as a historic milestone in FUNIS’ journey. He acknowledged the school’s founding fathers and celebrated its 20 years of significant progress and accomplishments, emphasizing the grace that has accompanied its growth.

In his remarks, a visibly elated Mr. Olusola Ilori, the current Principal of FUNIS, reflected on the school’s mission to provide quality education and noted its consistent track record of academic excellence. He commended the University's leadership for their unwavering support in maintaining and enhancing the school’s standards.

The Osile Oke-Ona Egba, HRM, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso, Karunwi III Oranmiyan giving his Royal Blessing at the 20th Anniversary  celebration of  FUNIS

Mr. Onaopepo Adu, Chairman of the occasion and Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Sports Marketing and Administration, encouraged students to embrace their experiences at FUNIS and actively participate in school activities to achieve their full potential. As a member of the 2004 pioneer set, Adu credited the school for shaping his values and success, expressing deep appreciation to his former teachers.

In her Keynote Speech titled, “Paradigm Shift in Secondary School Education in Nigeria: Pivotal in Moulding Future Leaders,” Dr. Emily Adeniji, Deputy Director of Teaching Practice at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Osiele, stressed the critical role of secondary education in shaping the nation’s future leaders. She emphasized the importance of schools fostering responsibility, civic engagement, and leadership skills in students.

The event was graced by several notable guests, including former FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, and former Board Chairman Prof. Michael Aduradola, among others.

The celebrations concluded with a Thanksgiving Service held today at the Chapel of Grace, where University Chaplain, Prof. Christian Ikeobi, encouraged the FUNIS community to reflect on its humble beginnings and strive for even greater achievements in the future.

        FUNIS Cultural Troupe displaying their artistic skills during the 20th Anniversary celebration