Dr. Ibrahim Abdulganiyu Assumes Office as New Provost of Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan

The Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan has officially welcomed its newly appointed Provost, Dr. Ibrahim Abdulganiyu, following the successful tenure of Dr. Sunday Stephen Oyeleye, who served for five transformative years.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Abdulganiyu expressed profound gratitude to God and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for the opportunity to serve. He acknowledged the immense contributions of his predecessor and pledged to build upon the strong foundation already laid.

Reflecting on the College's rich history, Dr. Abdulganiyu highlighted its evolution since its founding in 1943 - from a modest training school to a dynamic institution offering multiple diploma and higher diploma programs. He praised past administrations for expanding academic offerings to include Accountancy, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Computer Science, Marketing, and Home and Rural Economics, while also mentioning proposed programs awaiting NBTE resource inspection, such as Agricultural Technology, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Agribusiness Management, and Agricultural Extension.

Dr. Abdulganiyu emphasized his vision for the future, stating, "It is imperative to bridge the divide between theoretical knowledge and practical application, especially in cooperative education, the college's core mandate."

A central part of his leadership agenda is the establishment of a Cooperative Innovation and Empowerment Centre (CIEC) aimed at promoting skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, and innovation among students. This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the reformative efforts of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

He outlined a seven-point strategic roadmap for his administration:

• Restructuring the College Management and Administrative Structure
• Staff Capacity Development and Student Welfare
• Transforming Cooperative Groups for Food Security and Economic Growth
• Infrastructural Development
• Boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
• Attracting Grants from International Bodies and NGOs
• Establishing Collaborations with Research Institutions and Policy Makers

Dr. Abdulganiyu reassured staff and students of his commitment to welfare, improved learning environments, and global competitiveness. He also paid tribute to his family, mentors, and past leaders, expressing special appreciation to his wife for her unwavering support.

In closing, the new Provost called for unity and collective responsibility, stating: "Together, we can elevate FCCIB to new heights, making it not just a centre of learning but a beacon of hope and a model for others to follow."

With this bold vision, Dr. Abdulganiyu's tenure promises to usher in a new era of growth, innovation, and excellence at the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan.