Yoruba Youth Assembly Honours FUNAAB VC with Leadership Award

The Yoruba Youth Assembly has honoured the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, with the Yoruba Youth Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity.

The award, presented on September 25, 2026, recognised Prof. Kehinde as an “Icon of Academic Leadership and Agricultural Development” for his contributions to higher education, agricultural research, innovation, institutional development and national advancement.

The honour also recognised his leadership as the university’s 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor.

Presenting the award, the Yoruba Youth Assembly described Prof. Kehinde as a distinguished Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, accomplished researcher, university administrator and academic leader whose career reflects intellectual excellence, institutional leadership, research, innovation and service.

The Assembly said his leadership of an institution with a strategic mandate in agriculture, food security, scientific research and innovation demonstrates the importance of knowledge-driven leadership to national development.

According to the youth body, the award was not solely about the office occupied by Prof. Kehinde but also celebrated his academic journey, professional service, research contributions and commitment to advancing education and agricultural development.

The Assembly further stated that young people need positive examples of individuals who demonstrate how knowledge, integrity, excellence, leadership and service can be harnessed for societal advancement.

It described Prof. Kehinde’s career as an inspiration to the younger generation.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Senior Deputy Registrar, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Moses Ayanda, expressed appreciation to the Yoruba Youth Assembly for the recognition and for identifying with FUNAAB’s leadership and developmental aspirations.

Ayanda commended the Assembly for its focus on youth development, leadership, education, entrepreneurship, agriculture and community development.

He assured the youth body that FUNAAB remained committed to supporting initiatives that promote knowledge, innovation, agriculture, entrepreneurship and leadership development among young people.