FCAIB Provost Warns Fresh Students Against Negative Influences, Harps on Hard Work, Integrity (+photos)

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – The Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu, has advised newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic session to shun negative influences, stressing that hard work, discipline, and integrity remain the surest paths to academic and professional success.

According to a release e-signed and made available to StarTrend Int’l Magazine by the Head of the College’s Media and Communication Department, Mrs. Wilson Oyekemi, Prof. Atungwu gave the advice on Thursday, January 15, 2026, during the 2025/2026 Matriculation Ceremony and Commencement Lecture for newly admitted full-time students of the College.

Declaring the ceremony open, the Provost described the occasion as historic, noting that it was his first matriculation ceremony since assuming office.

He explained that the College had sustained its long-standing tradition of early matriculation in compliance with regulatory timelines, following the successful conclusion of the 2025/2026 admission exercise.

Prof. Atungwu highlighted the rich legacy of FCAIB as a 105-year-old institution established to drive agricultural transformation through teaching, research, and extension services.

He reaffirmed the College’s strategic role in national and regional development and commended members of staff for their dedication, particularly in the delivery of practical-based instruction.

Addressing the newly matriculated students, the Provost congratulated them on their admission and urged them to embrace discipline, diligence, and focus.

He urged them to leverage the expertise, facilities, and networks available within the College community to achieve excellence and build rewarding careers in agriculture.

According to him, with God on their side, nothing is impossible, adding that commitment, focus, and discipline are critical to the realization of their full potential.

He reaffirmed the College’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, practical-based learning, and community engagement.

Prof. Atungwu also expressed appreciation to Dr. Elizabeth Augustus for her commendable legacy, as well as members of the Ceremonial Committee and its Chairman, Dr. Bukola Fato, for their exemplary leadership and contributions to the successful organization of the event.

He wished the new students a successful academic journey and fulfilling careers in agriculture.

The ceremony also featured a Commencement Lecture delivered by Dr. A. S. Amusat, a renowned Agricultural Extension specialist and alumnus of the College.

The lecture, titled: “Agriculture as a Profession: Prosperity Protocols”, examined agriculture as a dynamic and lucrative profession driven by science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Amusat challenged the students to see agriculture beyond traditional farming, describing it as a sector rich with opportunities in agribusiness, climate solutions, policy formulation, research, and wealth creation.

He emphasized that early practical exposure in Colleges of Agriculture gives graduates a strong competitive edge in employability and enterprise development.

Dr. Amusat identified key skills required for success in agriculture to include problem-solving, effective communication, discipline, ethical conduct, networking, mentorship, and innovation, noting that these competencies are essential for building sustainable careers in a rapidly evolving global environment.

He further stressed the importance of internships, industry-oriented training, and hands-on experience as core strengths of agricultural education at FCAIB.

In a show of personal commitment to academic excellence, Dr. Amusat announced his sponsorship of the best graduating student in Agricultural Extension, starting from the current academic session.

In a related development, the Provost acknowledged the support of Corporate Edward Company for its willingness to sponsor the education of a differently abled student of the College, describing the gesture as a commendable example of corporate social responsibility and inclusive education.

Representing the Zonal Director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mrs. Temitope C. Akintola, was Mr. Oladele Daramola, who congratulated the students and urged them to maximize the opportunities available at the College. He was accompanied by Mrs. Halima Olosho.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also delivered a sensitization lecture through Mr. Jeff Achichi, who represented the Oyo State NDLEA Commander, Mr. Adetale Oluwarotimi Lawal.

Accompanied by the Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Mrs. Godwin Mercy, Mr. Achichi warned students against drug abuse and encouraged them to say “No to Drugs and Yes to Life.”

He also announced plans to establish a Drug-Free Club in the College to empower students as advocates against drug abuse.

The high point of the ceremony was the administration of the Matriculation Oath, which formally admitted the students into their respective programmes.

After the oath, the students were directed to their Schools to sign the Matriculation Register and receive their matriculation numbers.

The Federal College of Agriculture Alumni Association was represented by Alhaji Olufemi Solarin on behalf of the Alumni President, Dr. Samuel Bankole.

He joined other stakeholders in celebrating the matriculating students and reaffirmed the Alumni Association’s continued support for the growth and development of the College.

The ceremony, which formally inducted the fresh students into the FCAIB community, attracted members of Management, academic and non-teaching staff, alumni, parents, students, and invited guests.

Also in attendance were representatives of regulatory bodies, Heads of Units, Directors, Executives of the Students’ Union, and the President of the Federal College of Agriculture Alumni Association.

Dignitaries present included the Deputy Provost (Administration), Dr. Musiliu Adenekan; Immediate past Deputy Provost (Administration), Dr. Adejumo; Deputy Provost (Academics), Dr. Victoria Okpeze; Immediate past Deputy Provost (Academics) and Chairman of the Ceremonial Committee, Dr. Bukola Fato; Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Adenike Komolafe; Dean, School of Agriculture, Dr. Modupe Sodamola and Dean, School of Engineering, Dr. Ayoade Atere.

Others were the Immediate past Dean, School of Engineering and College Orator, Engr. Dr. Titus Ilori; Dean, School of Vocational Studies and Agricultural Extension, Dr. Adebayo Adeniran; Dean, School of Applied Sciences, Dr. Oluwafemi Adedire; Dean, School of General Studies and Media Technology, Dr. Abosede Alabi; Director of Bursary, Mrs. Theresa Adeoye, represented by Mr. Adeyemi Jaguno; Director of Audit, Mr. Olakunle Karunwi; Head of Library, Dr. Mojisola Y. Osunkoya; as well as Heads of Departments, Directors and Heads of Units.

Distinguished guests from the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) included the Deputy Director, Professor J. A. Adetumbi; Professor O. N. Adeniyan; the Station Manager, Mr. S. O. Olabode and staff of the Institute’s Public Relations Unit.

The event was also covered by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).