NUC Team Visits FUNAAB for Carrying Capacity Assessment

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), hosted a delegation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for a carrying capacity assessment, aimed at evaluating the University’s readiness to admit more students in future academic sessions.

The visit was announced by the institution’s Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Femi Dansu.

Welcoming the team on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, expressed appreciation for the visit and warmly received the Team Lead, Mr. Jude Akubue, an alumnus of FUNAAB. He lauded Mr. Akubue’s longstanding connection with the University and acknowledged his familiarity with FUNAAB’s progressive transformation.

Prof. Kehinde briefed the delegation on the University’s preparations for the new session, including leadership retreats on teaching, research, and service delivery. He also highlighted newly completed infrastructural projects and upgraded facilities, particularly at the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Nimbe Adedipe Library, all ready for immediate use.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, staff recruitment is ongoing to match the University’s expanding academic programmes. FUNAAB also continues to host large-scale national initiatives such as Teach for Nigeria, which trains nearly 1,000 Fellows annually, and the recently concluded Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) Annual Conference. He further revealed that the newly approved Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), will commence operations at FUNAAB with 1,000 pioneer students, underscoring the University’s strong infrastructure and academic reputation.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Akinyemi, commended staff commitment despite the annual vacation period and reaffirmed FUNAAB’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and community service. He appealed to the NUC Team for a positive outcome from the exercise.

Also speaking, the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Olajide Sogunle, disclosed that the University is seeking an increase in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s admission quota from 60 to 90, alongside the introduction of 14 new academic programmes to match its growing capacity.

Responding, the NUC Team Lead, Mr. Jude Akubue, expressed delight at returning to his alma mater. He clarified that the carrying capacity exercise is distinct from accreditation, focusing on infrastructure, staffing levels, and resource utilisation to ensure quality and sustainability. He emphasised the need for compliance with staffing ratios and efficient use of facilities, assuring that the team’s findings would be communicated to the Vice-Chancellor and relevant bodies.

Other members of the NUC delegation included Mr. Oche Mathew and Mr. Yaaya Washima. Present at the meeting from FUNAAB were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo; the representative of the University Librarian, Mrs. Deborah Ologun; as well as several Deans and Directors.