The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has granted approval for two new degree programmes to be offered at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), starting from the 2025/2026 academic session.
As stated in a release by FCAIB Head of Public Relations Unit, Mrs Kemi Wilson, the newly-approved programmes are B.Sc. (Home Science and Management) and B.Agric. (Agriculture).
It was further stated that the new degree programmes will officially commence in the next academic session, marking a major step in the College’s academic advancement.
The Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), formerly known as the School of Agriculture, has a rich and illustrious history that dates back to 1921, making it Nigeria’s and West Africa’s first agricultural institution.
The College’s roots trace further back to 1899, when Moor Plantation, Ibadan was established as a model farm to promote rubber cultivation and general agricultural improvement.
By 1905, the station evolved into an experimental research centre, focusing primarily on cotton production and other key agricultural studies.
The formal establishment of the School of Agriculture in 1921 marked the beginning of structured agricultural education in Nigeria.
Following the regionalisation of education in 1954, the school relocated to its present site – where it has since grown into a formidable centre of agricultural learning and innovation.
Over the past century, FCAIB has consistently upheld its mission, contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural development through qualitative education, skills acquisition, and the production of middle-level manpower for the agricultural sector.
The institution remains committed to empowering students with practical, hands-on skills and modern knowledge tailored to meet the evolving needs of agribusiness and food production in the 21st Century.
FCAIB envisions becoming the foremost agricultural education institution in Nigeria’s tertiary education system – a vision strengthened by its continued academic expansion and infrastructural growth.
With over 100 years of continuous service, FCAIB has built a strong reputation as a leader in agricultural education, training, and research across the subregion.
The College currently offers a wide range of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes across several disciplines, including:
National Diploma programmes: Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology; Agricultural Technology; Home and Rural Economics; Horticultural Technology;
Cooperative Economics and Management; Science Laboratory Technology (SLT); Computer Science; Food Technology; Office Management Technology; Library and information Science; Multimedia Technology; Organic Agricultural Technology
Its Higher National Diploma programmes include; Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology (Farm Power/Post-Harvest Technology/Soil & Water options); Agricultural Extension and Management
Animal Production Technology; Crop Production Technology; Horticultural Technology; Agribusiness Management;Pest Management Technology; Science Laborator and Technology (Microbiology Option)
It was stated that the programmes were designed to blend theory with practical field experience, ensuring graduates are job-ready and self-reliant in the agricultural sector.
Beyond academic instruction, FCAIB maintains a strong emphasis on research and development, particularly in areas that directly impact food production and sustainable agricultural practices.
Recent infrastructural developments at the institution included the establishment of a meteorological centre, a garri processing plant, and an oil palm processing unit, all aimed at enhancing research, student training, and community impact.
The ninth and current Provost who doubled as the 28th Head of the 105 year-old FCAIB, Jonathan Jeremiah Atungwu, is a distinguished professor of Plant Nematology.
An expert in Organic Agriculture and Biopesticides Development, with research focus on non-chemical crop protection options, he remained a focused and visionary leader.
Atungwu is certified locally and internationally with enviable credentials, some of which include but not limited to over 100 publications in reputable outlets.
The FCAIB Provost is a team player with demonstrated leadership skills and experience in various capacities: past Dean (COLPLANT) in FUNAAB and LASU; President of several professional societies;
Membership and leadership in international and local organisations, such as ISOFAR, ISPP, NSPP, NISOP, ADAN and many more.
Professor Atungwu, a renowned mentor for upcoming agricultural scientists, teachers, agropreneurs, and youths, is married and blessed with hardworking, and disciplined children.
