Together, let’s build 21st century varsity, says new FUNAAB VC

The 7th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, has stated that his vision for the next five years is to build a 21st century university.

He made this disclosure during his investiture as the 7th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University, held at the Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, inside the campus. The new Vice-Chancellor said the University was in dire need of positioning for the new trends in global education, if it must remain relevant in the global competition in research and innovation.

He said, "My vision for the next five years is simple and clear; it is to build a 21st century university. In quantifiable terms, we have a vision for FUNAAB to be among the top five universities in Nigeria, and among the top 100 in Africa over the next five years".

Prof. Kehinde stated that building a 21st century university involves raising the quality of administration, teaching, research, infrastructure and financing for the institution, adding that his administration would operate a pragmatic, inclusive, transparent and committed leadership guided by discipline and courage, while adhering strictly to the principle of rule of law and equity.

The 7th Substantive Vice-Chancellor pledged to vigorously pursue opportunities for greater international visibility and ensure that academic and non-teaching staff continued to be part of the global-learning community, saying he would consolidate on the gains made by his predecessors by achieving high ranking on national and global league tables.

Prof. Kehinde, however, called on members of the University community to join him in this noble cause, noting that the task of building a 21st century university may appear to be a tall dream, but it is achievable with their support. "We do not need new mandates, policies, or law for this things to happen, all that is needed is you, for together, we can conquer the obstacles on our collective march to build a 21st century University," he said.

In his inauguration address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of FUNAAB, Alhaji Umar Ahmed, revealed that member of the Council had perused and listened to the vision and mission goals of the new Vice-Chancellor, stressing that it is their belief that with the right peaceful atmosphere, harmonious relationship, cooperation, unity of purpose, and serene environment, the new Vice-Chancellor would raise the bar of excellence of the institution.

He, therefore, called on members of the University community, invited guests, and staff union leadership, to please, work harmoniously with Prof. Olusola Kehinde, to promote and exalt the University in all aspects of its operations, saying by the end of their tenure as Council, it is their hope to see a new FUNAAB that is in the class of high ranking universities, not only in Africa, but in the world as a whole.