The meeting, held at the College Lecture Theatre in Ibadan, was themed: “Strengthening Unity Among Academic Staff: A Catalyst for the Growth and Transformation of Colleges of Agriculture and Related Institutions.”
It drew national executives of ASUCA and delegates from Colleges of Agriculture across Nigeria to deliberate on issues affecting the union and the future of the sector.
The Provost of the College, Prof. Jonathan Atungwu, who was represented by the Deputy Provost (Academics), Dr Victoria Okpeze, described the hosting of the NEC meeting as a privilege and called for stronger collaboration among academic unions.
She noted that unity remains central to achieving meaningful progress, stressing the need for improved recognition and funding of Colleges of Agriculture.
Also represented at the event was the Acting Provost of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Dr Chidi Okpeze, through Dr Isaac Ayodeji.
In his opening remarks, the Vice President (South-West) of ASUCA and Chairman of the FCA Ibadan chapter, Comrade Achugbu Ikechukwu, described the gathering as historic, noting that it was the first time the NEC meeting would be held outside Abuja.
He urged members to embrace unity, dialogue, and purposeful engagement in addressing challenges facing the union.
The National President of ASUCA, Dr Kadurumba Chukwuemeka, commended the host institution, describing the meeting as a step towards inclusiveness within the union.
He reiterated that unity remains the union’s greatest strength and highlighted achievements, including the securing of peculiarity allowances for academic staff and the recognition of instructors and technologists as academic staff.
Participants at the meeting engaged the leadership on key issues affecting the union, with a renewed commitment to collaboration and strengthening agricultural education in Nigeria.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Registrar of the College, Mr Abimbade Abass; Director of Audit, Mr Olakunle Karunwi; Head of Library, Dr Mojisola Osunkoya; deans of schools; and representatives of staff and students’ unions.
The meeting ended with a call for sustained unity and collective action to drive the growth and transformation of Colleges of Agriculture nationwide.
