The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State, has announced Friday, March 6, 2026, as the resumption date for its pioneer students.
The decision was taken at the university’s first statutory meeting of the Senate held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, during which the academic roadmap for the institution’s maiden cohort was approved.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Registrar and Secretary to the University Senate, Amuni Mohammed Olayinka, said the decision followed extensive deliberations and reports on the level of preparedness of the institution.
According to him, the Senate considered reports from the University Management as well as the Committee of Deans and Directors before taking far-reaching decisions aimed at ensuring a smooth resumption and the overall wellbeing of students.
As part of preparations, the Senate approved a fast-paced 2025/2026 academic calendar designed to integrate the new university into the national academic cycle.
Following the March 6 resumption, student registration will run from March 6 to March 10, while orientation programmes for new students are scheduled for March 11 to March 19.
Formal academic activities will commence shortly after, with first semester lectures set to begin on Monday, March 23, 2026. The university’s maiden matriculation ceremony has been fixed for Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
The first semester is expected to end with examinations in July, after which students will observe a short break. The second semester will begin on August 3, 2026, while the entire 2025/2026 academic session is scheduled to end on November 30, 2026. The 2026/2027 academic session is tentatively planned to commence on December 14.
On accommodation, the university disclosed that it has adopted a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure the provision of safe, secured and affordable hostel facilities for students within communities around the institution, with rent rates to be properly regulated by the university.
The Registrar also revealed that matriculation numbers would soon be issued to candidates who have paid their acceptance fees, enabling them to proceed with payment of school fees and complete full registration.
He added that prospective students who are still interested in studying at FUNATO have the opportunity to apply, as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal remains open for change of institution.
Speaking on the university’s vision, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olaniyi Babayemi, said the institution aims to produce graduates who are academically sound, entrepreneurially driven, technologically competent and well equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
The university management advised admitted candidates to complete their registration early to avoid last-minute technical issues, while the Vice-Chancellor and members of the Senate congratulated the incoming students, describing them as the foundation upon which FUNATO’s legacy will be built.
FUNATO was established in 2025 following the signing of its enabling bill into law and is now making final preparations to matriculate its first set of students.
