By Wuraola Oyedokun
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has granted approval for two new degree programmes to be offered at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session.
According to a release e-signed and made available to The Guardian by Wilson Oyekemi, Head of the Public Relations Unit of the institution, the newly approved programmes are B.Sc. (Home Science and Management) and B.Agric. (Agriculture).
The statement confirmed that both degree programmes would officially commence in the next academic session, marking a major step in the College’s academic advancement.
The statement by Mrs Wilson Oyekemi, the institution’s spokesperson read: “The Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), formerly known as the School of Agriculture, has a rich and illustrious history that dates back to 1921, making it Nigeria’s and West Africa’s first agricultural institution.
“The College’s roots trace further back to 1899, when Moor Plantation, Ibadan was established as a model farm to promote rubber cultivation and general agricultural improvement.
“By 1905, the station evolved into an experimental research centre, focusing primarily on cotton production and other key agricultural studies.
“The formal establishment of the School of Agriculture in 1921 marked the beginning of structured agricultural education in Nigeria.
“Following the regionalisation of education in 1954, the school relocated to its present site – where it has since grown into a formidable centre of agricultural learning and innovation.
“Over the past century, the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, has consistently upheld its mission of contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural development through qualitative education, skills acquisition, and the production of middle-level manpower for the agricultural sector.
“The institution remains committed to empowering students with practical, hands-on skills and modern knowledge tailored to meet the evolving needs of agribusiness and food production in the 21st century.
“Becoming Nigeria’s Premier Agricultural Institution,FCAIB envisions becoming the foremost agricultural education institution in Nigeria’s tertiary education system – a vision strengthened by its continued academic expansion and infastructural growth.
“With over 100 years of continuous service, the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan has built a strong reputation as a leader in agricultural education, training, and research across the subregion.
“The College currently offers a wide range of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes across several disciplines.
“The ND programmes the institution offers are Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology, Agricultural Technology, Home and Rural Economics, Horticultural Technology,Cooperative Economics and Management, Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) Computer Science,Food Technology, Office Management Technology. Library and information Science, Multimedia Technology, and Organic Agricultural Technology.
“For the HND Programmes, the school offers Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology (Farm Power/Post-Harvest Technology/Soil and Water options), Agricultural Extension and Management, Animal Production Technology, Crop Production Technology, Horticultural Technology, Agribusiness Management, Pest Management Technology, and Science Laboratory Technology (Microbiology Option)
“These programmes are designed to blend theory with practical field experience, ensuring graduates are job-ready and self-reliant in the agricultural sector.
“Beyond academic instruction, FCAIB maintains a strong emphasis on research and development, particularly in areas that directly impact food production and sustainable agricultural practices.
“Recent infrastructural developments at the institution included the establishment of a Meteorological Centre, a Garri Processing Plant and an Oil Palm Processing Unit, all aimed at enhancing research, student training, and community impact.
“The ninth and current Provost who doubled as the 28th Head of the 105 year-old Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Prof. Jonathan Jeremiah Atungwu, a distinguished Nigerian academic Professor of Plant Nematology and an expert in Organic Agriculture and Biopesticides development with research focus on non-chemical crop protection options, remained a focused and visionary leader.
“He is certified locally and internationally with enviable credentials, some of which include but not limited to over 100 publications in reputable outlets.
“The scholar is a team player with demonstrated leadership skills and experience in various capacities: Past Dean (COLPLANT) in FUNAAB and LASU, President of several professional societies.
“He is a member of many international and local organisations, such as ISOFAR, ISPP, NSPP, NISOP, ADAN and many more.
“Prof. Atungwu is a renowned mentor for the upcoming agricultural scientists, teachers, agropreneurs, and youths. He is happily married, and blessed with pleasant, hardworking, and disciplined children”.
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