The Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has had eight Vice-Chancellors since the institution commenced academic operation on 8 January 1988.
Professor Nurudeen Olorun-Nimbe Adedipe was appointed as the first Vice-Chancellor of the university by the military regime of Gen Ibrahim Babangida. Adedipe, who has been described as the midwife of FUNAAB, was in office from 8 January 1988 till 31 December 1995.
The Ikorodu-born professor who was also the former chairman of Nigerian University Commission (NUC) was succeeded by Prof. Julius Amioba Okojie.
Okojie, who would later be appointed the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (2006 – 2010), was in office as FUNAAB VC from 1 January 1996 – 31 August 2001.
Here is a complete list of former and incumbent Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB from inception to date:
1) Professor Nurudeen Olorun-Nimbe Adedipe: 8 January 1988 – 31 December 1995
2) Prof. Julius Amioba Okojie: 1 January 1996 – 31 August 2001
3) Professor Israel Folorunso Adu: 1 September 2001 – 31 August 2006
4) Professor Ishola Adamson: 1 September 2006 – 24 May 2007
5) Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun: 24 May 2007 – 23 May 2012
6) Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole: 24 May 2012 – 23 May 2017
7) Professor Ololade Adeduro Enikuomehin: 24 May 2017 – 31 October 2017
8) Professor Felix Kolawole Salako: 1 November 2017 – to date
Brief History of FUNAAB
1 January 1988: The military government at the time led by Gen. Babangida in his natiowide broadcast announced the establishment of two first agriculture-focused institutions in Nigeria – the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State (FUNAAB) and the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (now known as Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University).
Originally, the civilian government of Shehu Shagari established Federal University of Technology Abeokuta (FUTAB) in 1983. But after the Maj.-General Muhammadu Buhari overthrew the civilian administration, he merged FUTAB with the University of Lagos, changing the existing name to College of Science and Technology, Abeokuta (COSTAB), making it an extension of UNILAG.
Soldier go, soldier come, they say. After the overthrow of Buhari, the new military ruler, Gen IBB, rescinded Buhari’s order, leading to the establishment of FUNAAB in 1988.
The decision of the government at the time followed the recommendations of a 1987 White Paper on Higher Education curriculum and development in Nigeria. And the first Vice-Chancellor was also appointed to steer the affairs of the institution in the person of Prof. N.O Adedipe.
8 January 1988: Prof Adedipe officially assumed duty.
October 1988: The institution began with five colleges.
18 May 1989: The federal military government announced the first Council for FUNAAB, appointing Alhaji Muhammadu Jega as the chairman.
1989: His Royal Highness Alhaji Kabir Umar, the Emir of Katagum, Bauchi State, was appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chancellor of the institution.
March 2002: College of Engineering (COLENG) and College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET) were added to the existing ones.
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