The newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Technology (FUNATO), Okeho, Oyo State, has announced the appointment of its pioneer Vice Chancellor and Bursar, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey.
Professor Jacob Babayemi, a renowned scholar in Animal Science from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, has been named the university’s first Vice Chancellor. An indigene of Okeho in Oke-Ogun, Prof. Babayemi is also the 16th President of the Nigerian Society of Animal Production (NSAP). His appointment is widely regarded as a source of pride for the host community and a strategic choice to position FUNATO as a centre of excellence in agricultural education and research.
Alongside him, Dr. Kazeem Olarewaju Popoola has been appointed as the pioneer Bursar of the institution. Dr. Popoola, a distinguished Chartered Accountant, academic, and administrator, previously headed the Finance Division at the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, where he also served on the Governing Council.
He is a Fellow and member of several top professional bodies, including the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA, ANAN), the Certified Chartered Systems Accountants (FCCSA, USA), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI, CITN), and the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC, IMC). He is also a registered member of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN).
The appointments of Prof. Babayemi and Dr. Popoola reflect competence, capacity, and a commitment to laying a solid foundation for the university. Stakeholders believe the duo’s leadership will ensure academic excellence, financial discipline, accountability, and strategic management in Nigeria’s higher education system.
