The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (FUADSI), Professor Mufutau Olaoye Atayese has assured the institution’s pioneer students that the university is committed to producing job creators rather than job seekers.
Speaking at the maiden orientation programme for the first set of students admitted into the institution on Monday at the FUADSI Take-off Campus, Oke Iragbiji, Osun State, Professor Atayese declared the management’s resolve to build future leaders and entrepreneurs from the fresh intake.
“As a school management, we have made up our minds that we are going to build leaders, future leaders out of you. We will build job creators not job searchers.
“We don’t want you to finish here and be looking for jobs here and there. We are building the Dangote of tomorrow, Otedola of tomorrow and Tony Elumelu of tomorrow,” he added, referencing three of Nigeria’s most successful business magnates.
The academic leader welcomed the students as history makers, noting the significance of their status as the institution’s inaugural set.
“This occasion is very significant because this university will live till the end of time. I assure you of that and you are the first set of students,” Professor Atayese said.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that the students’ arrival had already begun transforming the serene Iragbiji community.
“Iragbiji, as you can see, is a very peaceful environment. But your sojourn is going to introduce some specific changes to the environment. For instance, the population is increasing due to your increased number. The roads are smooth but narrow, and we have introduced some speed breakers because of you.”
He disclosed that the university would operate two campuses, with some lectures and most practicals taking place at the Pathfinder College campus, located about five minutes from the main take-off site.
Professor Atayese revealed that construction work had commenced at the permanent site, assuring students they would relocate there by their 300 level, spending no more than two years at the current locations.
The Vice-Chancellor promised institutional support while acknowledging the challenges that come with being pioneer students.
“As your fathers and mothers, we will try as much as possible to mitigate the challenges,” he said.
He also announced plans to provide unlimited data access through three hotspots to facilitate online classes.
The FUADSI Librarian, Professor Wasiu Lawal educated the students on library facilities, the process of obtaining library identification cards and proper usage of library resources.
In a lecture on life on campus, decency, counselling and discipline, Professor Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji, Director of Research and Innovation at Edo State University, Uzairue, shared insights with the new students.
Professor Adetunji, a globally recognised expert in Microbiology and Biotechnology with significant contributions to agricultural and biological sciences, offered guidance to help students navigate university life successfully.
Professor Abiona Oluseye Oladapo, a distinguished food scientist from Osun State University (UNIOSUN), also addressed the gathering, enlightening students on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) application process, providing crucial information on accessing financial support for their education.
The orientation programme marks a historic milestone for FUADSI as it begins its academic journey of producing well-rounded graduates equipped to drive Nigeria’s agricultural and developmental transformation.
