FUNIS Celebrates Excellence at 20th Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony, 17th Valedictory Service

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School, FUNIS, celebrated academic excellence and the graduation of the Class of 2026 during its 20th Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony and 17th Valedictory Service, held on Friday, July 25, 2026, at the School's PTA Auditorium. The event, themed "Dream, Believe, Achieve," brought together members of the University Community, parents, guardians, alumni and other distinguished guests to honour outstanding achievements and bid farewell to the graduating students.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Olawale Dairo, congratulated the graduating students, parents, staff and the entire FUNIS community on another successful academic session. He applauded the impressive growth in student enrolment and the steady progress recorded by the School, attributing the achievements to the collective commitment of the University Management, staff and stakeholders. He urged the graduating students to remain worthy ambassadors of FUNIS and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Delivering the keynote lecture titled "Believe in Your Dream," the Guest Speaker, Mr. Oluwatimilehin Adebisi, encouraged the students to pursue purposeful dreams with faith, determination and hard work. He stressed that lasting success is built on discipline, resilience, continuous learning and the courage to remain focused despite challenges.

In his address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, and Chairman of the FUNAAB Schools' Management Board, Prof. Olusegun Idowu, described the occasion as a celebration of perseverance, excellence and achievement. He congratulated the graduating students and commended the Governing Council, the Board Secretary, members of the Schools' Management Board, the FUNIS Management, staff, parents and guardians for their support towards another successful academic session.

Prof. Idowu, who is also the Chief Host of the ceremony, encouraged the graduating students to uphold the virtues of honesty, humility, discipline and service to humanity as they advance to higher institutions of learning. He reaffirmed the University's commitment to providing quality education that equips learners with the knowledge and skills to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to national development, while expressing optimism that many of the graduates would continue their academic pursuits at FUNAAB.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Principal of FUNIS, Mr. Olusola Ilori, expressed gratitude to God for a successful 2025/2026 Academic Session. He described the ceremony as a celebration of excellence and the successful completion of six years of secondary education by the graduating Class of 2026, fondly known as "D'BERLYS."

The Principal appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, the FUNAAB Schools' Management Board, parents, the Parent-Teacher Association, PTA, and members of staff for their invaluable support towards the continued growth of the School. He congratulated the prize recipients and urged all students to remain focused, disciplined and committed to excellence, while charging the graduating class to uphold the values of integrity, discipline and good character.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the University Librarian, Dr. Fauziyah Adenekan congratulated the graduating students and encouraged them to cultivate a lifelong reading culture, embrace continuous learning, and uphold the virtues of integrity, humility and excellence. She also commended the parents, teachers and the School Management for their commitment to nurturing responsible future leaders.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of prizes and awards to outstanding students in recognition of exceptional academic performance and exemplary conduct, with the overall best students across the various classes receiving special honours. Awards were also presented to deserving staff members.

The colourful ceremony attracted members of the University Management, the FUNAAB Schools' Management Board, staff of FUNIS, parents, guardians, alumni, students and other distinguished guests.