The Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (FCAIB) has held its 46th graduation ceremony for the award of Higher National Diploma (HND), National Diploma (ND) and the presentation of prizes.
The ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, was declared open by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
The minister was represented by Prof. Muhammad Lawal Attanda, Executive Director/CEO, National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan.
Present at the occasion was the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar A. Dabban, represented by Dr. Ogunreku S. Ayoola of the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan.
The Chairman of the Governing Board, FCAIB, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, was represented by the Provost, FCAIB, Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu. Other distinguished guests in attendance include: Prof. Kolawole Adebayo (FUNAAB), Dr. Ibraheem O. Lawal (Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan), Dr. Bankole, Alumni President FCAIB, Alhaji Solarin, Alumni representative, representatives from FCAH&PT, IAR&T and members of the Moor Plantation community.
In his graduation address, the Provost, Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu, expressed profound gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, staff and students for their support and dedication. He congratulated the graduands for being worthy in character and learning, describing FCAIB students as well-behaved and exemplary in disposition.
Reflecting on his assumption of office on 22nd April 2025, the Provost commended the students for their discipline and leadership qualities, urging them to be good ambassadors of the College while he encouraged them to aspire to leadership positions such as Governor, Minister, Honourable and Chief Executives. He enjoined them to take advantage of the FUNAAB Affiliate Programme with FCAIB, to further their education.
Prof. J. J Atungwu announced the automatic employment of the immediate past President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Comrade Oluwapelumi Folarin, after the completion of his NYSC scheme and assured all graduates that their NYSC enrollment had been completed and that their results and certificates would be issued immediately on graduation day. He concluded by appreciating the Management and staff for their commitment to the success of the students and the College.
The Graduation Lecture, delivered by Prof. Kolawole Adebayo of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), with the theme:
“Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustained Development: Thoughts for the Future of Agricultural Training in Nigeria,” was highly instructive.
Prof. Adebayo, Team Leader, International and Rural Development at the Livelihoods Support and Development Centre, Nigeria, emphasized that modern agricultural education must integrate science, business, and soft skills to produce job creators rather than job seekers.
He outlined future-focused strategies, including:
– One-year Innovative Food System programmes for Senior Secondary School science students;
– Reviving broad agricultural skill programmes such as water management, driving, carpentry, welding, and storage;
– Developing commercial grade campuses where farms serve as living laboratories for finance, logistics, and data;
– Creating startup support systems that link graduates to land, finance, mechanisation, and extension services.
He charged graduates to embrace innovation, build strong networks, and serve the global food market, noting that expertise plus innovation leads to generational wealth.
A total of 268 students graduated from the College for the 2024/2025 academic session, out of which 251 were Full-Time (HND and ND) and 17 were Part-Time students. 21 HND students and 9 ND students graduated with a distinction grade.
Miss Ajiboye, Busayo Mary (Department of Agriculture – Crop Production Option) emerged as the Overall Best HND Student with a CGPA of 3.86, while Hussein, Abdulbasit Temitope (Department of Agricultural Technology) emerged the Best ND Student with a CGPA of 3.79.
Graduation prizes included the Provost’s Prize, Dean’s Prize, Departmental Prize, Dr. B.F. Fato Prize, Peace Prize, Alumni Prize, Dr. A. S. Amusat’s prize and other merit awards with presentations of Certificates and awards made by the Deans of Schools to the graduands.
Miss Ajiboye, Busayo Mary was the highlight of the ceremony, winning five prizes, while Hussein, Abdulbasit Temitope received three prizes.
In a historic gesture, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo in his magnanimity, pledged the sum of ₦500,000 to the best HND graduate and ₦250,000 to the best ND graduate on behalf of the Livelihoods Support and Development Centre, marking the first donation of its kind in the history of the College.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of sister Institutions, Alumni and the Moor Plantation community.
In her closing remarks, the Chairman of the Ceremonial Committee, Dr. (Mrs) B.F. Fato, expressed gratitude to all attendees, for their presence and wished them a safe journey to their various destinations.
The ceremony was well attended by the College Management and staff, including the Deputy Provost (Administration), Dr. Musiliu O. Adenekan; Deputy Provost (Academics), Dr. (Mrs) V. E. Okpeze; the College Registrar, Mr. Abimbade S. Abass (represented by Mrs. Olanike Popoola); Head of Bursary, Mrs.Theresa sAdeoye; Head of Audit, Mr. Olakunle Karunwi; Head of Library, Dr. (Mrs.) Mojisola Y. Osunkoya; Deans, Heads of Departments and Units, Staff, and Students of the College. The 46th Graduation Ceremony was a remarkable celebration of academic excellence, innovation, and a great pointer to the future of agricultural education in Nigeria.
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