The Federal College of Animal Health Production Technology, Ibadan (FCAH&PTIB) celebrated the commencement of its 2024/2025 academic session with a vibrant matriculation ceremony on Friday, February 7, 2025.

The event which was held at Dr. K.J. Nwufor Hall in Moor Plantation, Ibadan, saw attendance from a distinguished group of individuals, including the College Provost, Dr. Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo, alongside principal officers, deans, sub-deans, heads of departments, and a lively gathering of fresh students and their parents.

The ceremony began with an official invitation from the Deans of the four schools—School of Animal Husbandry and Health, School of Agriculture and Fishery Management, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, and School of Part-Time/GNS Studies—who called the matriculating students to rise and recite the oath of allegiance. Following the oath, the Registrar, Mr. Nathaniel Adeolu, recognized the academic staff and the student union representatives, setting a tone of unity within the college community.

The provost, Dr. Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo in his keynote address, expressed his joy in welcoming the new students into the academic fold. "It gladdens my heart to welcome you all to this matriculation ceremony. I want to specifically congratulate all the ‘fresh men’ who have successfully navigated the admission process to join this esteemed institution," he stated.

Dr. Owosibo emphasized the significance of the matriculation rite, describing it as a pivotal event that formalizes the students' membership in the academic community. "By completing this simple act of signing the matriculation register, you now possess the right to engage in your studies, register for classes, and sit for examinations," he explained.

Highlighting the college's commitment to academic integrity, the provost urged the fresh students to embrace their new roles with seriousness: "A student whose CGPA falls below 2.00 after the first semester will be placed on probation. Furthermore, to be eligible for examinations, a 75% class and practical attendance is required."

Dr. Owosibo also addressed the expectations placed upon students, urging them to uphold the college's values, maintain exemplary behavior, and dedicatedly pursue their studies. "Remember, the certificate you will earn is a blend of your moral and academic performance. Avoid violence and focus on your research and education," he advised.

As part of the college's ongoing commitment to community welfare, he reiterated the importance of maintaining a clean campus and promised that the school would soon graduate no less than 800 students in its upcoming ceremony in April.

In conclusion, Dr. Owosibo encouraged the new matriculants to take full advantage of the resources available to them as they embark on their academic journeys in agriculture, science, and technology. "I wish you all a very successful academic pursuit in the college, and I look forward to celebrating your graduation in the near future," he affirmed.

In an exclusive interview with CEOAFRICA, Dr. Olatunde Owosibo, the Provost of the College, emphasized the significance of this year's matriculation ceremony, stating, "The students are now officially documented as members of the college community. We encourage them to be law-abiding and to resist peer influence that may distract them from their academic pursuits, such as attending classes and practicals.” He further advised the students to focus on learning what is right, noting that their certificates will reflect both their moral and academic performance.

Dr. Owosibo underscored the college's commitment to providing a robust educational environment, saying, “It is our responsibility as a college to ensure that our training facilities are of high quality. We have lecturers who are up-to-date in their fields, many of whom possess PhDs and master's degrees. Our technologists are also well-equipped, which collectively prepares our students to become better citizens in society.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Odukoya Sesan Ogunbukola, Deputy Dean of the School of Animal Husbandry and Health, highlighted the importance of the matriculation ceremony. He stated, “Matriculation is an official way of welcoming students into the college. We expect them to learn the practices of agriculture and technology so that they can be self-reliant upon graduation and become employers of labor rather than solely depending on white-collar jobs. That is the essence of our training here. If they take the Provost's words to heart, they will find success in their courses.”

Aanuoluwapo Babalola, a motivated matriculant from the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), expressed her aspirations for her academic journey. “I am here to achieve distinctions in my program,” she shared. “I advise the other students to take their studies seriously and maintain the determination needed to achieve their goals.”

As the ceremony concluded, it was clear that the Federal College of Animal Health Production Technology is not merely an educational institution but a nurturing ground for future leaders in agriculture and technology. The emphasis on moral integrity, academic excellence, and self-sufficiency resonates deeply with the college's vision of producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also ethically responsible and equipped to contribute positively to society. With the strong support of faculty and a focus on holistic development, the new students are poised to embark on an enriching journey that will shape their futures and, by extension, the agricultural landscape of Nigeria.