The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho in Oyo State has assured all stakeholders of the institution that despite the current foundational challenges the institution is facing, the future remains promising.
Prof. O.J. Babayemi conveyed this message of Hope through a statement personally signed by him, who in the opinion of some observers of the developmental strides of the fledgling Institution is seen a visionary, focused, and energetic pioneer Vice-Chancellor of this strategic University, the first of its kind in the Oke-ogun region of Oyo State.
The statement reads:
“Thank you for your observations and comments regarding the video circulating on social media, showing our students undertaking their continuous assessment tests under difficult conditions, including the use of candlelight.
While I acknowledge the concerns raised, I believe this moment calls for reflection, resilience, and renewed commitment rather than discouragement. We must be honest about our present realities while remaining confident about the future we are collectively building.
As of today, FUNATO is still a young and developing university. We cannot yet compare our facilities and resources with those of established institutions such as UI, OAU, ABU, and UNN etc. These institutions have had years, and in some cases decades, to develop the structures and facilities they enjoy today.
We are only in our second semester, still awaiting our take-off grant, and yet we are making progress against considerable odds.
For perspective, imagine a university with 1,250 functional computers available for its students. That would be a different story. Unfortunately, we currently have barely 100 computers, many of which are challenged by one issue or another.
This is the reality we must confront, not to excuse our shortcomings, but to understand the distance we have travelled and the work that still lies ahead.
We must never confuse our present limitations with our future possibilities.
If we pretend to have everything in place when we do not, we may inadvertently conceal the very needs that require the attention, support, and goodwill of well-meaning individuals and organisations. We should neither be ashamed of our humble beginnings nor glorify our challenges. Rather, we must be truthful about where we are, responsible in how we respond, and determined about where we intend to go.
At the same time, let us remember that the dignity of our students, the quality of their learning, and the conditions under which they are assessed must remain central to our decisions. Our current circumstances should challenge us to find better solutions, mobilise more support, and work harder to ensure that such difficulties become increasingly uncommon.
Were it not for the unwavering support of our host community and the collective sacrifices of our stakeholders, FUNATO might not have reached this stage of development. Our community has stood with us, believed in us, and helped sustain this dream when the resources were far from adequate.
To our staff, students, community leaders, traditional institutions, and every friend of this university, we owe a profound debt of gratitude. You have continued to identify with FUNATO, not because everything is perfect, but because you believe in what it can become.
I sincerely appreciate every member of staff and every student who continues to wear the FUNATO identity with pride. Your patience, resilience, commitment, and sacrifices are helping to lay the foundation of an institution that future generations will be proud to inherit.
My earnest appeal, therefore, is that we should not allow the challenges of today to weaken our collective spirit. Let us turn every criticism into an opportunity for improvement, every limitation into a reason to innovate, and every setback into a renewed determination to move forward. Where we see gaps, let us propose solutions. Where we identify needs, let us mobilise support. Where we have the capacity to do more, let us do more.
FUNATO is not merely an institution we work or study in; it is a legacy we are building together. Its success cannot rest on the shoulders of management alone. It requires the commitment of every staff member, the cooperation of every student, the support of our community, and the goodwill of all who believe in the transformative power of education.
As the saying goes, Rome was not built in a day. Every great institution began somewhere, and many started with far less than what they eventually became.
By God’s grace, what appears insufficient today can become more than enough tomorrow, provided we remain united, focused, innovative, and steadfast in our pursuit of excellence.
I firmly believe that FUNATO is a project entrusted to us by God, and we must play our part faithfully. Let us continue to do our best, support one another, protect the dignity of our institution, and work tirelessly towards a better tomorrow.
Let us not be defined by the candlelight under which our students wrote today, but by the brighter future we are determined to create for them tomorrow.
Together, we can transform our challenges into opportunities, our humble beginnings into a remarkable success story, and our shared dream into a lasting reality.
Let us build FUNATO together. Let us build it with courage, with integrity, with excellence, and with an unshakable belief in what we can achieve. The FUNATO of our dreams is possible, and the responsibility to make it happen belongs to all of us.
Thank you all, and may God continue to bless and strengthen FUNATO”, the statement said.
