FUNAAB matriculates 6,356 students as VC warns against indecent dressing

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, has matriculated 6,356 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, the highest student intake recorded by the institution in nearly four decades.

The acting head of the Directorate of Public Relations, Olasunkanmi Olajide, disclosed this in a statement made available to our correspondent on Thursday.

The matriculation was held alongside the university’s 13th Commencement Lecture at the Professor Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the record admission as a major milestone in FUNAAB’s 38-year history.

Prof. Kehinde expressed delight at the growing confidence of parents and prospective students in the university while directing the new entrants to uphold discipline, dress decently, maintain a minimum of 70% class attendance, and strictly adhere to the institution’s rules.

The VC said, “FUNAAB remains a training ground for future leaders. As such, the students must dress decently, uphold discipline, record a minimum of 70% class attendance, and adhere strictly to the university’s laid-down rules.”

Prof. Kehinde reaffirmed the university’s zero tolerance for misconduct and emphasised that Student Union engagement on campus is guided strictly by dialogue and responsible leadership.

The Vice-Chancellor assured the students that their rights would be protected.

Delivering the commencement lecture themed “Future Leaders of Character in Agriculture: Building Capacity Today for National and Global Impact Tomorrow,” Prof. Subuola Fasoyiro of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, challenged the students to cultivate character, competence, and capacity as the foundation of effective leadership.

Highlighting the qualities required to shape the future, Prof. Fasoyiro emphasised vision, strategic thinking, courage, emotional intelligence, integrity, teamwork, and resilience.

She also identified clarity, commitment, capacity, character, consistency, and contribution as essential leadership qualities for national development that students must embrace for a brighter future.

Prof. Fasoyiro added, “The future is predictable, and as students, you must position yourself through discipline and continuous learning. When you take care of your character, it will help you take care of your reputation.”