Long before he assumed office as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Olusola Babatunde Kehinde had already spent nearly three decades helping to shape the institution from within.
His journey at FUNAAB began in 1994, when he joined the university as an Assistant Lecturer. Through years of dedication to teaching, research and academic leadership, he steadily rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, earning recognition as one of the institution’s distinguished scholars.
Over the course of his career, Professor Kehinde has held several strategic leadership positions that have contributed to the university’s growth. He has served as Head of Department, Dean of the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Director of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), and Acting Vice-Chancellor, before eventually being appointed as the University’s 7th Substantive Vice-Chancellor.
His academic influence extends well beyond Nigeria. Through research collaborations, international conferences, fellowships and academic exchange programmes, he has represented FUNAAB in the United Kingdom, United States, France, China, Israel, South Africa and the Czech Republic. He also served as a Visiting Lecturer at Mendel University in the Czech Republic, further strengthening his international academic profile.
In another landmark achievement, Professor Kehinde became the Pioneer Dean of the School of Agriculture at Lagos State University (LASU), where he played a key role in laying the foundation for agricultural education before returning to FUNAAB to continue his service.
In 2023, following a highly competitive selection process involving 14 candidates, Professor Kehinde emerged as the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, ushering in a new chapter in the university’s history.
Since assuming office, his administration has focused on advancing research excellence, improving infrastructure, expanding local and international partnerships, promoting innovation, enhancing staff and student welfare, and positioning FUNAAB as a globally competitive institution committed to academic excellence and sustainable development.
Professor Kehinde’s story is one of loyalty, leadership and lifelong dedication to the institution he joined as a young academic nearly 30 years ago—a journey that culminated in the university’s highest office.
