The Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (FCAIB), on Thursday, 15 January 2026, held its 2025/2026 Matriculation Ceremony and Commencement Lecture for newly admitted full-time students.
The ceremony formally inducted the fresh students into the College community and attracted members of Management, academic and non-teaching staff, alumni, parents, students and invited guests. In attendance were representatives of regulatory bodies, Heads of Units, Directors, Executives of the Students’ Union and the President of the Federal College of Agriculture Alumni Association.
Declaring the ceremony open, the Provost of the College, Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu, described the occasion as historic, noting that it was his first matriculation ceremony since assuming office. He explained that the College sustained its long-standing tradition of early matriculation in line with regulatory timelines following the conclusion of the 2025/2026 session students’ admission exercise.
Professor Atungwu highlighted the rich legacy of FCAIB as a 105-year-old institution, established to drive agricultural transformation through teaching, research, and extension services. He reaffirmed the College’s strategic role in national and regional development and commended members of staff for their dedication, particularly in the area of practical-based instructions.
Addressing the newly matriculated students, the Provost congratulated them on their admission and urged them to embrace discipline, diligence, and focus. He cautioned against negative influences and emphasized the importance of hard work and integrity in achieving academic success.
He encouraged students to leverage the expertise, resources, and networks available within the College community to achieve greatness in their careers in agriculture.
He reminded them that with God on their side, the impossible can be achieved, and that commitment, focus, and discipline are key to realizing their potentials.
The ceremony featured the Commencement Lecture delivered by Dr. A. S. Amusat, a renowned agricultural extension specialist and an alumnus of the College. The lecture, titled “Agriculture as a Profession: Prosperity Protocols,” examined agriculture as a dynamic and lucrative profession driven by science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Amusat challenged the students to see agriculture beyond traditional farming, describing it as a field with vast opportunities in agribusiness, climate solutions, policy formulation, research, and wealth creation.
He emphasized that early practical exposure in Colleges of Agriculture gives graduates a competitive advantage in employability and enterprise development.
He highlighted critical skills required for success in agriculture, including problem-solving, effective communication, discipline, ethical conduct, networking, mentorship, and innovation. According to him, these competencies are essential for building sustainable agricultural careers in a rapidly evolving global environment.
Dr. Amusat stressed the importance of internships, industry-oriented training, and hands-on experience, describing them as core strengths of agricultural education at FCAIB.
In a show of commitment to academic excellence, he announced his personal sponsorship of the best graduating student in Agricultural Extension, commencing from the current academic session.
In a related development, the Provost acknowledged the support of Corporate Edward Company for its willingness to sponsor the education of a differently abled student of the College, describing the gesture as a commendable example of corporate social responsibility and inclusive education.
The high point of the ceremony was the administration of the Matriculation Oath, formally admitting the students into their respective programmes of study. The oath was administered, after which the students were directed to proceed to their Schools to sign the Matriculation Register and receive their matriculation numbers.
Dignitaries and College personnel in attendance included the Deputy Provost (Administration), Dr. Musiliu Adenekan; Immediate past Deputy Provost (Administration), Dr. Adejumo; Deputy Provost (Academics), Dr. Victoria Okpeze; Immediate past Deputy Provost (Academics) and Chairman Ceremonial Committee, Dr. Bukola Fato; Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Adenike Komolafe; Dean, School of Agriculture, Dr. Modupe Sodamola; Dean, School of Engineering, Dr. Ayoade Atere; Immediate past Dean, School of Engineering/College Orator, Engr. Dr. Titus Ilori; Dean, School of Vocational Studies and Agricultural Extension, Dr. Adebayo Adeniran; Dean, School of Applied Sciences, Dr. Oluwafemi Adedire; Dean, School of General Studies and Media Technology, Dr. Abosede Alabi; Director of Bursary, Mrs. Theresa Adeoye, represented by Mr. Adeyemi Jaguno; Director of Audit, Mr. Olakunle Karunwi; Head of Library, Dr. Mojisola Y. Osunkoya; Heads of Departments, Directors, and Heads of Units.
Distinguished guests present at the occasion from IAR&T included, the Deputy Director, Prof. J. A. Adetumbi, Prof. O. N. Adeniyan, the Station Manager, Mr. S. O. Olabode and Public Relations Unit staff of the Institute.
Representing the Zonal Director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mrs. Temitope C. Akintola, was Mr. Oladele Daramola, who congratulated the students and urged them to make the most of the opportunities at the College. He was accompanied by Mrs. Halima Olosho.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) delivered a sensitization lecture through Mr. Jeff Achichi, who represented the Oyo State NDLEA Commander, Mr. Adetale Oluwarotimi Lawal, and was accompanied by the Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Mrs. Godwin Mercy. Mr. Achichi warned against the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged students to say “No to Drugs and Yes to Life.”
Mr. Achichi announced plans to establish a Drug-Free Club in the College to empower students as advocates against drug abuse.
The Federal College of Agriculture Alumni Association was represented by Alhaji Olufemi Solarin on behalf of the Alumni President, Dr. Samuel Bankole. He joined other stakeholders in celebrating the matriculating students and reaffirmed the Alumni Association’s continued support for the growth and development of the College.
The Provost concluded the ceremony by reaffirming FCAIB’s commitment to academic excellence, practical-based learning, and community engagement. He also expressed appreciation to Dr. Elizabeth Augustus for her good legacy, and the Ceremonial Committee and its Chairman, Dr. Bukola Fato, for her exemplary leadership and contributions to the successful organization of the matriculation ceremony.
He wished the new students success in their academic journey and a fulfilling career in agriculture.
Credit: Wilson Oyekemi
