Babcock varsity seeks youths’ participation in agriculture

*As 91 get first class

To support the Federal Government in boosting the status of agriculture and food security in Nigeria, Babcock University, Ilishan has offered 30 per cent tuition discount to all intakes into various department offering agricultural programmes.

Vice chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ademola Tayo, who disclosed this at the institution’s 16th undergraduate and seventh Postgraduate convocation, said the initiative is in line with government’s policy of diversifying the economy and recent emphasis on agriculture. A total number of 2191 graduating students were awarded certificates and prizes in their various fields.

He explained that the policy has seen the university deploy various programmes geared towards improving crop yields and encouraging meaningful investments in the sector, so as to attract more young people into studying and practicing agriculture.Tayo further revealed that over the years, the university has grown and gathered momentum in a meaningful and assuring way with present teachings and research being conducted.

He said, “As a responsible institution, the university has taken up the challenge of contributing to government’s programmes aimed at boosting agricultural sector with a tripartite collaborative training on greenhouse production, among other initiatives. We are offering a 30 per cent tuition discount to all new intakes into the field of agriculture with effect from 2018 academic session. This is expected to attract more young people into studying and practicing agriculture.”

Adding that the school has facilities for research and has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with different renowned research institutes, organisations and foreign universities, he said, “ We are not relenting in our efforts at pursuing research and innovation currently there are 16 various researches from the various departments of the university have their research proposal approved and waiting for disbursement of funds.”

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Tolu Odebiyi, said no government in the world has a monopoly of capital to ensure quality education especially at the tertiary level and that is why the contribution of this citadel of learning to the education development of the school is highly appreciated.

Similarly, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State whose son was among the graduates, said, “I want to congratulate you for the son I gave you. Not only has he been transformed academically but also more in character.”While, Agbojo Michael Adedotun emerged the overall best graduating student with CGPA of 4.97 for undergraduate programmes; Akinnuga Oluseye was the best student for maters category; and Okeya Adenike Omotayo had the best Ph.D. thesis.