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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – A distinguished academic, administrator, and international development consultant, Professor Oloruntoba, has pledged his support for institutional development, training partnerships, and agricultural advancement at the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (FCAIB).
Prof. Oloruntoba made this commitment when the institution recently played host to the seasoned academic and administrator.
According to a statement e-signed and made available to the media by Mrs. Wilson Oyekemi Omowumi, Head, Public Relations Unit of the institution, Prof. Oloruntoba aligned himself with FCAIB’s mission of transforming agriculture through innovation, capacity building, and entrepreneurship.
“As a capacity builder for over four decades”, he noted, “I can confidently say that FCAIB is well-positioned and endowed to become a leading centre of agricultural excellence in Africa. I have seen institutions around the world, and this College, established over a century ago, has the foundation, structure, and leadership to stand out.”
Drawing from his vast experience working with renowned institutions such as the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Oloruntoba emphasized the importance of needs assessment, skills gap analysis, and fundable grant proposal writing. He noted that such strategic tools would enable the College to attract international collaborations and funding opportunities.
“Government alone cannot fund everything”, he said. “Teaching staff and students should learn to write compelling projects and grant proposals that will open new vistas for development and innovation.”
The renowned scholar commended FCAIB’s clean, well-organized, and serene environment, describing it as a reflection of discipline and visionary leadership.
He further lauded the Provost’s leadership and pledged his full support as a consultant, think tank, and institutional development partner, expressing readiness to collaborate with the College in developing new programmes, supporting consultancy projects, and strengthening institutional capacity.
In his welcome remarks, the Provost of the College, Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu, expressed appreciation for Prof. Oloruntoba’s visit, noting that the College is expanding its academic landscape beyond traditional diploma programmes to include short certificate and vocational courses designed to empower diverse learners.
Prof. Atungwu described FCAIB as a national asset, adding that Prof. Oloruntoba’s visit has further inspired his determination to actualize the College’s ten-year strategic plan, which has already commenced and is designed to outlive his tenure.
“We’re building training hubs that go beyond regular academic programmes.
“Our goal is to offer practical certificate and vocational courses that enable retirees, entrepreneurs, and professionals to acquire relevant agricultural skills and create value in their communities”, the Provost stated.
Prof. Oloruntoba’s visit, filled with insight and inspiration, marked another milestone in FCAIB’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach, strengthen partnerships, and promote innovation in agricultural education.
A seasoned academic and development expert, Professor Oloruntoba holds degrees from the University of Ibadan and the University of California, Berkeley. He has served in leading universities across Africa and currently serves as the Managing Director/CEO of Cedar Grove Nigeria Limited and Executive Secretary of Okunland Farmers’ Development Initiative (OFDI-Nigeria), a rural-based NGO promoting farmer empowerment and sustainable agricultural practices.
