Abeokuta – The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) on Friday commissioned several completed projects as part of activities marking its 33rd Convocation Ceremony, with Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu proclaiming the institution Nigeria’s emerging “Silicon Valley” during the unveiling of a 240-capacity computer laboratory.
The commissioning ceremony featured key infrastructure projects across the university, underscoring FUNAAB’s continued growth in academic, research, and residential facilities.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, Odundun IV, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land, disclosed that the university administration has taken significant steps to address staff challenges. Commissioning the new Residential Quarters for Principal Officers, he revealed that less than 1% of staff previously lived on campus. He stated the project was financed from the University’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), adding that a foundation has been laid for a Council Guest House, slated for commissioning before year’s end. Oba Olabomi also announced plans for an iconic building, set to be one of the largest and most attractive on campus, emphasizing that strategic use of IGR is boosting university productivity.
A Major Highlight: The Digital Frontier
A major highlight was the commissioning of the 240-Capacity Computer Laboratory by Distinguished Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, who has been pivotal in infrastructural development for the university. Senator Salisu reiterated that supporting FUNAAB aligns with Ogun State’s identity as the cradle of education, especially as the state prepares for its 50th anniversary on February 2, 2026.
“There is no way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the state… than to do something in the area of education,” he stated.
He described the occasion as deeply fulfilling, recalling his 2024 visit that led to an MoU to train Ogun Central youths in agriculture and a promise to address road infrastructure.
“By the grace of God, before the last convocation, the Camp–FUNAAB Road was fixed, and today, as we speak, the Arakanga–Mawuku Road leading to the second campus is under construction,” Salisu said.
The Senator explained his support is driven by three reasons: Ogun State’s educational legacy, its upcoming anniversary, and his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity—which led him to postpone a UN conference in Qatar to attend the event.
Representing Ogun Central, which he said has the nation’s highest concentration of tertiary institutions, Salisu hailed FUNAAB’s growing tech capacity.
“With the concentration of computer laboratories here, practical learning facilities, and the College of Computing nearby, there cannot be a better name for this place than Silicon Valley,” he declared, pledging continued collaboration with management to enhance the learning environment.
Other Projects Commissioned
Other commissioned projects included:
· The College of Physical Sciences, commissioned by the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, represented by the Alaye of Ode-Remo, Oba Surveyor Adetunji Oso, who commended the management for the gigantic project.
· The Animal Demonstration Laboratory, commissioned by Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, who emphasized that “health is wealth.”
· The Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory (Phase I), commissioned by former Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, who thanked the VC and Federal Government for their support.
· A 120-Bed Hostel, commissioned by Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, who noted that quality accommodation is crucial for student performance.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, expressed appreciation to Senator Salisu for his sustained support and urged its continuation for the university’s infrastructural and academic development.
The ceremony marked another milestone in FUNAAB’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and national development.
