FUNAAB Matriculation Ceremony 2023/2024

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Matriculation Ceremony for the 2023/2024 academic session is set to unfold in a grand style on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at the prestigious Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building. Slated to begin at 10:00 a.m., this significant event heralds the formal induction of newly admitted students into the university’s esteemed community. With meticulous preparations underway, the occasion is poised to mark a memorable milestone for both the attendees and the fresh scholars embarking on their academic voyage.

Preparations and Participation

In anticipation of this ceremonious day, invited staff members are reminded to collect their ceremonial green academic gowns from the Chief Stores and Suppliers Officer located at the 1,000 Seater Lecture Theater on Monday, February 26, 2024. The academic procession, a cornerstone of the matriculation tradition, is scheduled to assemble at 9:45 a.m. in the vicinity of the Ceremonial Building. This assembly will pave the way for the distinguished procession to join the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, in welcoming the new cohort of scholars.

Highlight of the Ceremony

A focal point of the 2023/2024 Matriculation Ceremony is the insightful 11th Commencement Lecture to be delivered by Mr. Theophilus Adewale Onadeko (TAO), a luminary in the fields of finance and agribusiness. Mr. Onadeko’s involvement is especially significant, given his profound background and contributions to the agricultural and financial sectors. His lecture is eagerly anticipated, as it promises to enlighten and inspire the new students, setting a lively tone for their academic and professional aspirations.

About Mr. Theophilus Adewale Onadeko

Mr. Onadeko’s illustrious career spans over two decades, during which he has made notable strides in corporate strategy, impact investing, SME banking, agribusiness, value chain finance, financial technology, and management consulting. His tenure at globally recognized institutions such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSDA), and the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) highlights his unwavering dedication to fostering sustainable development within the agricultural landscape.

Academic and Professional Achievements

Mr. Onadeko’s academic credentials are as impressive as his professional journey. A proud alumnus of FUNAAB, he holds a Bachelor of Agriculture Degree (B.Agric) in Agricultural Economics & Farm Management, an MBA in Finance from Manchester Business School, UK, and a Master’s in Development Economics & Policy from the University of Manchester, UK. His commitment to lifelong learning and excellence is further evidenced by his status as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and a Certified Associate in Project Management from George Washington University School of Business, USA. Presently, Mr. Onadeko is enriching his knowledge by pursuing a PhD in Agricultural Economics and Environmental Policy at the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), FUNAAB.

A Gateway to Future Excellence

The 2023/2024 Matriculation Ceremony at FUNAAB is not merely a formal initiation of new students; it is a gateway to future excellence, a celebration of knowledge, and a testament to the university’s commitment to teaching, research, and extension services. Mr. Theophilus Adewale Onadeko’s participation as the commencement lecturer underscores FUNAAB’s ethos of nurturing leaders who are equipped to drive impactful change in society, especially in the realms of agriculture and finance.

As the university community, faculty, and the new students converge to celebrate this momentous occasion, the matriculation ceremony stands as a beacon of hope and a precursor to the transformative journey that lies ahead for these young scholars. The ceremony not only signifies the beginning of an academic adventure but also serves as a platform for inspiration, imparting wisdom and encouraging a new generation to contribute meaningfully to the global agricultural landscape.