The outgoing Provost of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Ibadan, Dr. Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo, has appealed for the reinstatement of the institution’s eligibility for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), stressing that access to the scheme is vital for upgrading facilities and addressing the challenge of brain drain in the agricultural sector.
Dr. Owosibo, who spoke during his valedictory engagement, lamented that the college has been excluded from TETFUND support since 2010, despite the Federal Government’s commitment to improving tertiary education. He noted that the absence of funding has denied the institution opportunities to renovate dilapidated facilities, acquire essential training equipment, and strengthen students’ practical exposure.
“We plead that this TETFUND funding will be extended to us to upgrade our facilities and to mitigate brain drain from our system,” he said.
The Provost explained that the institution has had to depend on government allocations, which, though appreciated, are inadequate to meet its expanding needs. “We survive with the meager envelope system of budgeting that the government gives to us, but we could be much better off if we had access to the kind of funding that other institutions benefit from,” he added.
He identified critical areas affected by the funding gap, including abattoirs, supporting farms, and outreach centers, where students are expected to gain hands-on training. According to him, some of the college’s vehicles are outdated and unfit for use, limiting field exposure for students.
On staff welfare, Dr. Owosibo acknowledged occasional unrest linked to delayed salaries and unresolved promotion arrears. He, however, expressed optimism that government would eventually provide capital backing to settle the arrears. “We continue to communicate with the unions and staff, ensuring they understand that the government is committed to their welfare,” he stated.
Dr. Owosibo further underscored the need to raise the visibility of the college, urging the incoming Provost to showcase the institution’s contributions to agricultural education through social media, print, and broadcast platforms.
Looking ahead, he advised his successor to prioritize the completion of ongoing projects, including staff office buildings and road infrastructure within the campus. “The new Provost should ensure that there are no abandoned projects, and that attention is given to road networks as we receive funding from the Federal Government,” he said.
