FUNIS Charts Path for Academic Excellence at 3rd Annual Staff Retreat

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School (FUNIS) has commenced its 3rd Annual Staff Retreat, a three-day programme themed “Facing the Future Together,” aimed at preparing educators, administrators, and stakeholders for the new academic session through reflection, learning, and strategic planning.

Declaring the retreat open, the Chairman of the FUNAAB Schools Management Board and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, urged staff to embrace the programme with seriousness and openness. “Before we can face the future, we must look back critically at the past,” he stated, encouraging participants to evaluate the successes and challenges of the last session as a foundation for collective improvement.

The Principal of FUNIS, Mr. Olusola Ilori, also stressed the importance of teamwork and collaboration in advancing the school’s mission and vision. He described the retreat as “an opportunity to learn, relearn, and engage with experts in the field.”

The first paper presentation, “Teaching with Empathy: Building a Strong Teacher-Student Relationship for Improved Productivity and Academic Excellence,” was delivered by Mrs. Folashade Philips, Executive Director of Vine-Crest College, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State. She emphasized the central role of empathy in education, noting that, “If you don’t touch the heart first, you cannot teach the child.” She urged teachers to foster trust, respect individuality, and build positive teacher-student relationships as essential foundations for effective learning.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Adedoyin Adewolu, a Human Resource Expert from Lagos State, highlighted resilience and adaptability as key qualities for teachers in a rapidly changing educational environment. He charged staff to remain united, innovative, and forward-thinking in addressing the demands of modern-day education.

The three-day retreat is expected to feature additional expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and strategic planning meetings, all designed to equip staff with tools and insights to drive a more impactful and productive academic year.