President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), for its expanding national and global influence, describing the institution as a vital driver of Nigeria’s food security, youth empowerment and economic transformation.

The President gave the commendation at the university’s 33rd Convocation Ceremony, where 4,141 students were conferred with degrees, marking another milestone in FUNAAB’s contribution to national development.
Delivering the convocation address on behalf of the President, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the ceremony underscored FUNAAB’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s agricultural modernisation agenda beyond academic achievement.
President Tinubu commended the university’s sustained leadership in agricultural education, research and innovation, noting its growing continental and global recognition.

He cited FUNAAB’s ranking as Africa’s best university of agriculture and seventh globally by Times Higher Education, as well as its placement among the world’s top ten institutions for teaching skills.
He also highlighted the university’s first-place ranking in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) performance in 2024.
According to the President, institutions such as FUNAAB are central to tackling pressing national and global challenges, including food insecurity, climate change, population growth and economic volatility.

He stressed that education, research and innovation must continue to underpin Nigeria’s drive for sustainable development, rural transformation and inclusive economic growth.
President Tinubu urged the university to sustain its leadership role by deepening innovation, strengthening research output and producing graduates equipped with the skills, values and mindset required to drive national productivity in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a related address, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, commended FUNAAB for producing disciplined, innovative and globally competitive graduates.

He described the convocation theme, “Integrating Agriculture and Youth Development: A New Paradigm for the Nigerian Education System,” as timely and aligned with the Federal Government’s vision of education as a catalyst for economic productivity, job creation and sustainable food systems.
The minister acknowledged the leadership of the university management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to higher education through interventions such as TETFund and the Student Loan Scheme.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor disclosed that FUNAAB recorded its highest matriculation intake in 38 years, with 6,356 students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session.
He also noted that the university ranks as Nigeria’s second-best federal university in graduate employability.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted key achievements recorded in the past year, including an EU-funded hydroponic technology workshop, a top-10 global finish by a FUNAAB team at the Hack4Livestock Hackathon, completion of a 3MW hybrid solar power project, and the attraction of ₦93.6 million in TETFund research grants.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, the Overall Best Graduating Student, Miss Joy Osianor, urged her peers to remain hopeful, innovative and committed to excellence.