DELIVERED BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE (FUNAAB), ABEOKUTA,

1. WELCOME ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE (FUNAAB), ABEOKUTA, PROFESSOR OLUWAFEMI OLAIYA BALOGUN ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2010/2011 NIGHT OF EXCELLENCE, HELD AT THE JUBILEE MULTIPURPOSE HALL, BISHOP’S COURT, ONIKOLOBO, ABEOKUTA, ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012. .

2. ‘ Chairman of this occasion Vice-Chancellors of Sister Universities Principal Officers of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Deans and Directors Heads of Departments and Units The Guest Lecturer and Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria.

3. ‘ Distinguished Royal Fathers My Lords Spiritual and Temporal Distinguished Awardees and Special Guests Gentlemen of the Press Ladies and Gentlemen

4. ‘ On behalf of the Senate, Management, Staff and Students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, I welcome you to the Third edition of Night of Excellence.  I wish to extend my warmest compliments of the New Year to everybody here, especially our distinguished guests who have been consistently supportive of the University’s goals and aspirations for excellence. 

5. ‘ We cannot appreciate you enough for accepting to grace this occasion at this festive period in spite of competing activities seeking your participation.  Your presence at this occasion, when you could have been somewhere else, shows your strong belief in us.

6. ‘ Many of our guests may wonder why we are celebrating the Night of Excellence on the first day of the year  It is, indeed, true that today marks the Twenty-fourth anniversary of the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, by the erstwhile Military President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, GCFR, on January 1, 1988. 

7. ‘ In line with University traditions and best practices all over the world, the first of January every year has, therefore, been set aside as the Foundation Day for the University.  To commemorate the Foundation Day, the Governing Council and Senate of the University approved the proposal to hold a Night of Excellence to celebrate, showcase and encourage those who have distinguished themselves in the service of the University in the past year.

8. ‘ Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the Night of Excellence has come to symbolize the celebration of courage, hardwork, diligence, initiative and industry among all segments of the University Community. 

9. ‘ This includes, the Staff Productivity Award for both Staff (academic and non-teaching ) who have remarkably displayed commitment and undiluted loyalty to the cause of the University, students who have exhibited and demonstrated clearly that they are bound for the top as potential first class degree candidates and, this year, the University has also extended the award to contractors who have shown diligence in the execution of projects for the University.

10. ‘ As Leaders in the University, we believe that the reward for hardwork and dedication would not only help in sustaining, but could increase the tempo of Staff Productivity by both Academic and Non- Teaching Staff members.

11. ‘ In the last four and a half years, this Administration has worked hard, not only to maintain the good legacies of our founding fathers, but to also reinforce, improve and build upon the enduring legacies, which will be pointers and sign-posts for the succeeding generations in terms of contributions to the growth, development and evolution of a great Institution of our dream.

12. ‘ Ladies and gentlemen, it would be recalled that the University Management, in line with the directives of the Visitor to the University, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, that all specialized Universities in the Country should diversify their academic programmes, we have recently established the College of Management Sciences, with Departments of Accounting, Banking and Finance,

13. ‘ Business Enterprise Management Economics, and Entrepreneural Studies which have been approved by the National Universities Commission. We have also made efforts to improve on the quality of our graduates, by providing world-class teaching aids as well as a conducive and convivial environment that support efficiency and quality academic output.

14. ‘ We have also increased the number of hostel facilities, and have also improved transport facilities by increasing the fleet of buses to convey Staff and students.  We have improved quality of service in the University Health Centre by increasing the number of personnel, bed spaces for patients and the acquisition of additional ambulances.

15. ‘ Moreover, and in order to produce quality and well trained graduates, Management, which I am divinely opportuned to lead, has ensured that the staff are not left out of the project of building a greater FUNAAB. Apart from providing an enabling working environment for staff to achieve their career goals, Management has encouraged high productivity and service delivery by exposing staff to training and re-training at world-class training centres,

16. ‘ such as Galilee International Management Institute, Israel; Indian Institute of Energy Management, India; The London Academy Business School, Dubai; and Omega Centre for Management Development, South Africa among others. The ultimate result of all our efforts had been the improved rating and ranking of FUNAAB at National and International levels. 

17. ‘ Only a few weeks ago, the University bagged the prestigious Lé Matinal Education Excellence Award as the Best University of Agriculture in Africa in Mauritius.  In addition, the Federal University of Agriculture was, at the last World Universities Webometrics Ranking, rated as Seventh in Nigeria, and 60th position in Africa. 

18. ‘ It is also worthy of note that the Seventh position occupied by FUNAAB in Nigeria still makes it the leader of all the third generation and most of the first generation Universities in the Country. Beyond the rankings by various bodies, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, has become an attractive destination of choice for University admission seekers.

19. ‘ The ambient atmosphere, beautiful environment, the exemplary conduct of our students, the outstanding ambassadorial exploits of our alumni, the relatively hitch-free and uninterrupted academic calendar, have become attractions to candidates seeking admission.

20. ‘ Distinguished guests, as this marks my last address as Vice-Chancellor at the Night of Excellence, may I use this opportunity to urge all staff, students and alumni to continue to “raise the bar” of excellence for which FUNAAB has become synonymous with.  I urge that we not only raise the bar, but strive to break our own records of achievements. 

21. ‘ I urge all stakeholders to join forces together in ensuring that FUNAAB continues to stand out and distinguish itself in all areas of academic, administrative and social endeavours. At this junction, I wish to appreciate the efforts of all stakeholders who have individually and collectively contributed to the sustenance of our traditional value of excellence. 

22. ‘ I pray most fervently that posterity shall justify you all positively, for your selfless service to humanity. To our great alumni, our ambassadors, we are, indeed, proud of the exploits and forays you are making at various levels, nationally and internationally in your individual callings. 

23. ‘ The impacts our alumni are making scientifically and in academics, on the national economy, in our political clime and on the social plane, give one cause to cheer and be proud of our association with you.  We urge you not to relent but remain consistent and focused. To our potential First Class Students, we urge you to continue to toe the path of your predecessors by emulating their good conducts. 

24. ‘ Do not relent in ensuring your goal of achieving first class degree is achieved. May I extend my special appreciation to the Chairman of today’s event, Our Royal Father and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, who has been a solid pillar of support to this University.  Kabiyesi was at last year’s Night of Excellence held on January 1, 2011 and today again, he has chosen to share the day with us.  We pray for more rewarding years on the throne, in good health and prosperity.

25. ‘ Indeed, we cannot appreciate our guests for today enough, particularly, Mr. Tunde Lemo, the Guest Speaker, who is an accomplished banker, manager and public officer.  He is also a First Class graduate and recipient of many awards himself. Our Guest Speaker is one Nigerian whose name is a beacon in economic circles. 

26. ‘ To all our distinguished guests on this occasion, I can only pray that the Almighty God should reward you bountifully for your support at various times in the past years.  Indeed, I cannot forget the contributions of the University Management, staff and students in the achievement of the goals of the University.

27. ‘ It is on this note; ladies and gentlemen, that I, on behalf of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Community, welcome you to this Third Night of Excellence extend the warm felicitations of the season to you all.  May you have a most fulfilling and prosperous 2012.

28. ‘ Thank you & God bless.