…As Provost Prof. Jonathan Urges Inclusion of Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan in TETFund Projects
By Salam Mustapha
CivicPulseNg
Ibadan, Oyo State Thursday, August 14, 2025
The Chairman, Board of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAI), Sooko (Hon.) Tajudeen Olaniyi Lawal, has vowed to reposition the institution as a model hub for agricultural education and innovation, rallying all stakeholders to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at his maiden board meeting held at the College Theater Hall, Lawal described the FCAI as a critical engine in Nigeria’s agricultural development strategy and called for unity of purpose to achieve the college’s mandate.
If we deliver here, we would have assisted the President in fulfilling part of his electoral promises,” Lawal declared, stressing that FCAI must become a reference point in agricultural education, research, and innovation.
Lawal, who doubles as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, acknowledged that his first official meeting came later than planned after his April appointment by President Tinubu. He described the delay as “divinely timed,” noting that “no leaf can fall from a tree without the divine knowledge of God.”
He pledged an open-door administration and constant engagement with staff, management, and other stakeholders to foster inclusiveness, teamwork, and service delivery. Lawal also revealed that he would be holding a closed-door strategy session with the Provost to outline immediate priorities for the college’s growth.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Provost of FCAI, Prof. Jonathan Jeremiah Atungwu, hailed Sooko Lawal’s appointment and expressed optimism that his leadership would help address long-standing institutional challenges.
Tracing the college’s rich history from its establishment in 1921 as the School of Agriculture to its current status as a leading agricultural institution in West Africa, Atungwu reaffirmed FCAI’s vision to be the foremost provider of middle-level agricultural manpower in Nigeria.
With over 11,000 graduates, including a former President of Nigeria, the Provost highlighted the college’s impact in shaping the agricultural sector. He listed ongoing initiatives such as environmental beautification, student enrollment drives, strengthened community engagement, and expansion of outreach and external degree programmes.
Atungwu also announced plans for a reward system to recognize exceptional staff performance, aimed at fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
However, the Provost identified critical challenges hampering the college’s potential, including poor funding, exclusion from TETFUND support, delayed interventions, and low student enrollment — currently at 800. He appealed to Sooko Lawal and the governing board to drive fund mobilisation, attract investment, and push for strategic development.
Sooko Lawal’s political weight and the Provost’s administrative vision converged on a common goal, positioning FCAI as a world-class agricultural institution that contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s food security and economic diversification agenda.
Both leaders stressed that with collective effort and strategic partnerships, FCAI could serve as a direct driver of Tinubu’s agricultural policies, fulfilling national aspirations while creating opportunities for students, researchers, and farmers across the country.
The event ended with a resounding affirmation of commitment from staff, management, and guests, as Lawal promised to leave the college better than he met it.
“God bless FCAI, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Chairman concluded.
