Take Your Studies Seriously, FUL VC Urges Pioneer Agriculture Students

The Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), held its maiden orientation program for the pioneer set of students at the university's multipurpose hall in Felele on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, warmly congratulated the students on their admission into the newly established faculty and charged them to maintain good conduct throughout their academic journey. "Your journey towards graduating with a first class honours degree starts now," Professor Akinwumi emphasized. "Take your academics seriously and ensure you keep to simple instructions. We have provided a conducive learning environment and we will continue to do more."

The Vice Chancellor stressed the importance of responsibility and care for university facilities. "Do not destroy the university equipment; take good care of them as you use them," he admonished. 

Prof. Akinwumi further highlighted the university's commitment to academic excellence and practical learning, encouraging students to embrace innovation and modern farming techniques as they prepare to become agricultural leaders in a rapidly changing world.

Meanwhile, the keynote speaker, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, OON, State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes) in Kogi State, delivered a compelling address on "Exploring the Nexus between Climate Change, Land Degradation, and Food Security." She outlined how human activities contribute to environmental degradation and emphasized the importance of understanding the relationship between climate change, land degradation, and food security for future agricultural professionals.

"As we gather here today, the world is facing unprecedented challenges; climate change is altering the ecosystem, land degradation is threatening our biodiversity and peace, while food security is under pressure," Barr. Jatto stated. She elaborated on how deforestation, urbanization, and certain agricultural practices release greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming and climate change impacts such as rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions.