The Federal Ministry of Education has confirmed that the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (FUADSI), is expected to commence academic activities in October 2025.

This assurance came during an on-the-spot facility assessment led by Mrs. Rakiya Ilyasu, Director of the University Education Department, Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja. The team visited the university’s Administrative Block, Takeoff Site, and Permanent Campus to inspect readiness for takeoff.

Speaking during the inspection and while addressing stakeholders, including the town’s traditional ruler, Mrs. Ilyasu, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness.

She commended the community’s commitment and promised to relay the positive findings to the appropriate authorities in Abuja.

“Based on the timeline from when the approval was granted by President Bola Tinubu to now, I can say you have started well. Your commitment shows that you are ready to take the bull by the horns,” she said.

Mrs. Ilyasu noted that once principal officers are appointed, the National Universities Commission (NUC), represented by Dr. Victoria Pillah, would carry out a resource verification visit to assess compliance with academic and infrastructural standards.

“We are satisfied with what we’ve seen—a hospitable community, an Administrative Block ready to host principal officers, and a Takeoff Site that will soon be completed. We believe the university is well on track to begin admitting students by October,” she added.

She also emphasized the need to fast-track the inclusion of FUADSI in the JAMB brochure, allowing prospective students to apply or switch institutions by September. “We’re hopeful that principal officers will be announced soon to speed up the next phase,” she said.

Earlier, the visiting team was received by the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV, who is also the Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

He led the delegation to the residence of Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, who is also a prominent figure in the host community.

At both the palace and her residence, the stakeholders assured the delegation of the community’s full support and readiness for the immediate takeoff of the institution.

Oba Odundun expressed gratitude to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the visiting team, saying, “Our prayer as a community is for the university’s programmes to commence before the end of this year.”

Mrs. Oyetola also reiterated the community’s readiness, particularly in providing residential quarters for principal officers and other necessary support to ensure a smooth takeoff.

The 3-day visit by the Ministry’s team marks a significant step toward the operationalization of FUADSI and is expected to accelerate the processes required for the institution to begin full academic activities by October 2025.