US Navy Commander Victor Agunbiade Endows FUNAAB Students with Scholarships to Foster Excellence

Lt. Commander Victor Agunbiade, an esteemed alumnus of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and a decorated officer in the United States Navy, has awarded scholarships to outstanding students of his alma mater. The scholarship presentation, which took place on October 21, 2024, at the Vice-Chancellor's Conference Room, was part of Commander Agunbiade’s ongoing commitment to supporting educational excellence.

During the ceremony, Commander Agunbiade highlighted the importance of investing in the youth, stressing that they represent the hope and future of the nation. He urged individuals to contribute to youth development, noting that by guiding them appropriately, the country’s future would be secured.

The scholarships were presented through the foundation established by Commander Agunbiade and his wife, in memory of his late father, Pa Alfred Adetola Agunbiade, a passionate educator. The foundation's mission is to positively impact the lives of young people, reflecting Pa Agunbiade’s lifelong dedication to student welfare.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olukayode Akinyemi, praised Commander Agunbiade and his family for their generous contribution. He encouraged the scholarship recipients to utilize the opportunity fully and continue striving for academic excellence. Prof. Kehinde also lauded the continuous support of FUNAAB alumni, calling on others to emulate Commander Agunbiade’s example by giving back to the university.

Mr. Johnson Olukehinde, Head of the Office of Advancement, expressed gratitude to the Agunbiade family, announcing that scholarships of ₦250,000 were awarded to Miss Temidayo Osinaike from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics and Miss Deborah Obisesan from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management. Additionally, Akintunde Oluwabukola received a ₦100,000 gift.

Mr. Olukehinde also revealed that Commander Agunbiade has committed to continuing his support for indigent students at FUNAAB and is exploring avenues to facilitate their further education in the United States.

Commander Agunbiade, who graduated from FUNAAB’s Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD) in 1997, is renowned for his service in the US Navy. In 2020, he was honored with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his outstanding performance in managing the Navy’s largest cash disbursing office, overseeing $45 million in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The scholarship initiative, first instituted in 2021, exemplifies Commander Agunbiade’s commitment to giving back to his roots and empowering the next generation of leaders.