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…Expands Academic Horizon With Certificate, Vocational Courses
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – The Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu, has revealed that the College is broadening its academic landscape beyond traditional diploma programmes to include short certificate and vocational courses designed to empower diverse learners.
According to a release e-signed and made available to the media by Mrs. Wilson Oyekemi Omowumi, Head of Public Relations at the institution, Prof. Atungwu disclosed this during a courtesy visit by Prof. Abayomi Oloruntoba – a distinguished academic, administrator, and international development consultant – at the Moor Plantation campus, Ibadan.
Prof. Atungwu described FCAIB as a national asset, emphasizing that it stands out among institutions of its kind.
He added that Prof. Oloruntoba’s visit further strengthened his resolve to pursue the College’s ten-year strategic development 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 allow retirees, entrepreneurs, and professionals to gain relevant agricultural skills and create value in their communities”, the Provost said.
Welcoming his guest, Prof. Atungwu expressed deep appreciation for Prof. Oloruntoba’s visit, describing it as one filled with insight and inspiration.
He noted that the engagement marked another milestone in FCAIB’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach, strengthen partnerships, and promote innovation in agricultural education.
In his remarks, Prof. Oloruntoba commended the Provost’s visionary leadership and pledged his full support as a consultant, think tank, and institutional development partner.
He aligned himself with FCAIB’s mission of transforming agriculture through innovation, capacity building, and entrepreneurship.
“As a capacity builder for over four decades”, he said, “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 wealth of experience working with leading institutions such as the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), ARMTI, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and FUNAAB, Prof. Oloruntoba emphasized the importance of assessment, skill gap analysis, and the writing of fundable grant proposals.
He noted that these would help the College attract international collaborations and funding opportunities.
“Government alone cannot fund everything. Teaching staff and students should develop compelling projects and grant proposals that will open new vistas for development and innovation”, he advised.
The renowned scholar praised FCAIB’s clean, well-organized, and serene environment, describing it as a reflection of discipline and visionary leadership.
He expressed his readiness to work closely with the College to develop new programmes, support consultancy projects, and strengthen institutional development.
A seasoned academic and development expert, Prof. Oloruntoba holds degrees from the University of Ibadan and the University of California, Berkeley.
He has served in leading universities across Africa and is the Managing Director/CEO of Cedar Grove Nigeria Limited and Executive Secretary of the Okunland Farmers’ Development Initiative (OFDI–Nigeria) – a rural-based NGO promoting farmer empowerment and sustainable agricultural practices.
His visit to FCAIB reaffirmed the College’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and leadership development – a legacy that continues to shape Nigeria’s future in food security, sustainability, and agribusiness transformation.
