By Alhazan Abiodun Rilwan
“Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity, or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with the reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world.” – Paulo Freire
When the Federal Government established the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), it was more than just another addition to Nigeria’s higher education landscape. For Okeho, a town in Oyo State and Oke-Ogunregion, it was the dawn of a new era.
At the center of this transformation stands Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, whose appointment carries both symbolic and practical weight. An indigene of Okeho and a globally respected animal scientist, Babayemi embodies the bridge between local heritage and international scholarship.
Professor Babayemi’s academic journey is steeped in excellence. Formerly Dean of Agriculture at the University of Ibadan, he has authored over 145 peer-reviewed publications and delivered a landmark inaugural lecture titled “The Wonders of Ruminants.”
His scholarship reflects a lifelong commitment to agricultural innovation, and now, as Vice-Chancellor, he is channeling that expertise into institution-building.
The early days of any university are critical, and Babayemi has approached the task with deliberate strategy:
He has overseen the appointment of key officers, including the pioneer bursar, ensuring financial accountability and administrative stability.
Academic Vision:
FUNATO is designed as a science-based center of excellence, blending agriculture with technology to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges in food security, sustainability, and innovation.
Community Integration:
By situating the university in Okeho, Babayemi is not only expanding access to higher education but also positioning the town as an emerging academic hub in Oyo State.
Linking Development to Natural Assets:
The Ikere Gorge Dam
One of the most strategic opportunities for FUNATO lies in the Ikere Gorge Dam in Iseyin, the largest dam in Oyo State. Originally conceived for irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power, the dam has remained underutilized for decades.
Professor Babayemi sees the dam as a potential research and development anchor for FUNATO’s agricultural and technological ambitions. In his words, “The Ikere Gorge Dam is not just a reservoir of water; it is a reservoir of possibilities. With the right partnerships, it can power irrigation schemes, aquaculture projects, and renewable energy research that will transform our region.”
By integrating the dam into FUNATO’s research agenda, the university could:
-Support large-scale irrigation for experimental farms and local agriculture.
-Develop aquaculture programs, boosting food security and rural livelihoods.
-Explore hydropower and renewable energy technologies, aligning with Nigeria’s push for sustainable energy.
-Serve as a training ground for students, linking classroom learning with practical fieldwork.
Driving Development Beyond the Campus:
The ripple effects of FUNATO’s establishment are already visible. Local businesses anticipate growth from student and staff influx, while farmers look forward to partnerships that could modernize agricultural practices. Babayemi’s vision is clear: FUNATO should not be an ivory tower but a driver of regional development, linking research with real-world impact.
As he emphasized, “We are here to blend agriculture with technology, but we must also harness the natural assets around us. The Ikere Gorge Dam is one such asset, and it will play a central role in our journey.”
Let us talk about the challenges on the Horizon. Of course, the road ahead is not without obstacles. Infrastructure development, funding constraints, and the need to attract top-tier faculty remain pressing issues. Yet Babayemi’s academic networks and reputation provide a strong foundation for building collaborations with government, industry, and international institutions.
FUNATO is a legacy in the making for Okeho and its neighboring communities like Iseyin among others, as the presence of FUNATO is more than an educational milestone—it is a promise of transformation. And for Professor Babayemi, it is an opportunity to translate decades of scholarship into tangible development. His pioneering leadership is setting the stage for a university that will serve as a bridge between traditional agriculture and modern technology, ensuring that Okeho becomes a beacon of innovation in Nigeria’s academic landscape.
This version now ties in the Ikere Gorge Dam as a strategic resource that FUNATO can leverage, making the piece richer and more regionally grounded.
Okeho, here the world comes!
Alhazan Abiodun Rilwan is a journalist, media consultant and the Publisher of The Chronicler Newspaper, based in Iseyin.
