The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (FCAH&PT), gathered at the Dr. K.J. Nwufoh Hall to witness the official handing over of leadership from the outgoing provost, Dr. Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo, to the new Acting Provost, Dr. Chidi Nweze Okpeze, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The event was attended by various segments of the college community, including deans, sub-deans, heads of departments (HODs), directors, unit heads, staff, students, and various stakeholders from the college all coming together to welcome a new chapter for the institution.

Among the special dignitaries present were Dr. (Mrs.) Obianuju Nbadiwe, representative from the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN); Dr. Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo, the Outgoing Provost; Dr. Isaac Olusegun Ayodeji, Deputy Provost Academic; Dr. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Ogunleke, Deputy Provost Admin; Mrs. Sade Okekunle, Auditor of the College; Mr. Ayodele Olayinka, Bursar; Mrs. Oriyomi Yemisi Popoola, Acting Registrar; Mrs. Jemilat Iyabode, Librarian; Dr. Ibrahim Abdulganiyu, Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele; Pastor Ayorinde Awe, Director of Part-Time Programme at FCAH&PT and various dignitaries from the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, among others.

Mrs. Yemisi Popoola, in her welcome address, expressed her pleasure in officially welcoming everyone to the handing over event. “Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the college as we witness a peaceful transition of leadership in line with due process and tradition.

"It is indeed a time to reflect on the selfless service and notable contributions of our outgoing provost, who has steered the affairs of this college with dedication for the past five years. We are here to support the incoming acting provost, confident that with the cooperation of the college management, staff, and students, the institution will continue to grow stronger.”

Dr. Owosibo, reflecting on his tenure, stated, “I give the glory to God for granting me the privilege to serve as provost of FCAH&PT. It is by God’s grace that we achieved what we did. Nothing can be accomplished by a single person. I appreciate all who worked with me selflessly from 2020-2025, from teaching to non-teaching staff members. I was able to build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors, and I believe that the incoming acting provost will elevate this college to new heights. During my time, we increased our programs from 10 to 19 and nearly finished the accreditation process for four new programs.”

Following his remarks, Dr. Owosibo was awarded for his outstanding leadership before officially handing over the leadership baton to Dr. Chidi Nweze Okpeze. Accompanied by Dr. (Mrs.) Nbadiwe, both leaders penned their signatures on the official handover document, symbolizing the transition.

In her remarks, Dr. (Mrs.) Obianuju Nbadiwe noted, “Today, we witness the formal handing over of leadership from our outgoing provost to the new and incoming acting provost. This ceremony is not only a statutory exercise but also a symbolic transition reflecting continuity, responsibility, and renewed commitment to service.

"On behalf of the ARCN, I sincerely appreciate the outgoing provost for his dedication and vision, which has strengthened the college’s efforts in training skilled manpower and advancing research in animal production. I urge the incoming acting provost to see this as a call to service and to build on the achievements of your predecessor.”

Dr. Chidi Okpeze, in his acceptance remarks, expressed gratitude to the ARCN representative and the outgoing provost, thanking the management team for their support. He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation, stating, “Animal Health has been known to be a family college, and what ARCN desires is peace, love, and unity. The leadership of this college lies in all of us here."

As the ceremony concluded, attendees looked forward to a new era under Dr. Okpeze's leadership, whose vision and determination are expected to propel FCAH&PT to greater heights. The transition not only signals fresh beginnings but also reinforces the commitment to excellence and progress within the college community.