FUNAAB Honors 104 First-Class Graduates with N840m from NELFUND
Overview of the 33rd Convocation at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) is set to host its 33rd convocation, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic calendar. The event will see 4,141 students graduating, with 104 of them earning first-class honors. This impressive achievement highlights the university’s commitment to academic excellence and the dedication of its students.
Expansion of Academic Programs
In addition to the graduations, the university has made notable strides in expanding its academic offerings. The reintroduction of four Management Sciences degree programs—Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, and Economics—has been welcomed by both students and faculty. These programs were previously removed but have now been reinstated, reflecting the evolving needs of the academic and professional landscape.
Furthermore, the university has introduced six new programs: Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, Forestry Resource Management, Hydrology and Water Resources Management, Climate Science and Agricultural Meteorology, and Cooperative Studies and Development Studies. With these additions, FUNAAB now offers a total of 44 academic programs across 55 departments, enhancing its reputation as a leading educational institution in Nigeria.
Financial Support for Students
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olusola Kehinde, emphasized the impact of the Nigerian Loan Education Fund (NELFUND) on the university’s student population. He stated that nearly 5,000 students have benefited from NELFUND, receiving a total of N840 million in financial assistance. This support has played a crucial role in enabling students to pursue their education without the burden of financial constraints.
Prof Kehinde praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing this initiative, highlighting its significance in providing much-needed relief to students. He expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts in supporting higher education and ensuring that more students can access quality learning opportunities.
Breakdown of Graduates
The 33rd convocation will feature a diverse group of graduates. A total of 4,141 students will receive bachelor’s degrees, with the following distribution:
- 104 students with First-Class Honors
- 1,771 students with Second-Class Upper Division
- 1,896 students with Second-Class Lower Division
- 285 students with Third-Class Degrees
- Two students with Pass Degrees
- 41 students with Veterinary Medicine Degrees, which are not classified
In addition, the university will award 49 Postgraduate Diplomas, 164 Master’s Degrees, and 89 Ph.Ds. Among the outstanding graduates is Osiama Chinyere from the Food and Nutrition Department, who achieved a CGPA of 4.85, making her the overall best graduate.
Recognition of Achievements
Prof Kehinde described the convocation as a vibrant celebration that brings together individuals from various backgrounds to honor both institutional and personal achievements. He highlighted the triumph over challenges, the realization of dreams, and the celebration of resilience, emphasizing that this event marks the beginning of new horizons for the graduates.
Infrastructure and Renewable Energy Initiatives
The university has also made significant progress in infrastructure development. Several projects are set to be inaugurated during the convocation, including the College of Physical Sciences, a 240-capacity computer laboratory, an Animal Demonstration Laboratory, and a Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory (Phase I). Additionally, residential quarters for principal officers are among the developments being unveiled.
Another major milestone is the World Bank-assisted 3MW Hybrid Solar Power Project, which has delivered uninterrupted electricity to all the university’s facilities during the day and approximately half of the campus at night. This initiative positions FUNAAB as one of the few Nigerian universities leveraging renewable energy to enhance academic and residential experiences.
Conclusion
The 33rd convocation at FUNAAB represents not only a celebration of academic success but also a testament to the university’s ongoing commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence. As the graduates step into the world, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and determination to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
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