The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), Prof. Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi, has appealed to the Oyo State Government for urgent logistical and infrastructural support to stabilise the newly established institution.
Prof. Babayemi led the university’s management team to the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, where he outlined the university’s immediate needs, including buses and official vehicles, a central administrative building (Senate Building), lecture theatres, and agricultural equipment such as tractors and machinery, in line with FUNATO’s mandate.
The VC said the visit was to appreciate the state for allocating land to the university and processing the Certificate of Occupancy at no cost. He added that the university requires further support as it is still in its formative stage.
He disclosed that the university recently underwent resource verification, which cost several millions of naira largely provided through community contributions. He praised individuals, including Barr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), for their financial support but stressed that the institution cannot rely solely on community donations.
Prof. Babayemi also appealed to the state government to assist in opening up the 1,002 acres allocated to the university, noting rising encroachment pressures.
Responding, the Commissioner for Education confirmed that Governor Seyi Makinde had approved FUNATO’s temporary site and urged residents of Okeho and Kajola Local Government to support the university, which he said belongs to the entire Oke Ogun zone and the nation.
Other commissioners present encouraged the management team to strengthen the administrative foundation of the university and mobilise wider support across Oke Ogun.
Deputy Governor Lawal assured FUNATO of the state government’s backing, saying he would escalate the institution’s requests to Governor Makinde. He emphasised that although FUNATO is a federal institution, state support remains crucial for its growth and stability.
The VC was accompanied by the Registrar, Barr. Amuni Mohammed Olayinka; the Bursar, Mr. Popoola Kazeem Olanrewaju; and the Librarian, Dr. Adigun Ganiyu Ojo.
