The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has expanded its vocational and entrepreneurial training programme to cover 100 and 200 Level students, with classes scheduled to commence in two weeks.
The initiative aims to equip undergraduates with practical, marketable skills alongside their academic qualifications, promote self-reliance and prepare them for opportunities beyond the classroom.
Speaking at a meeting with Skill Leaders on October 16th, 2026, the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS), Prof. Sakiru Akinbode, said the initiative marked a significant shift from the previous arrangement, under which practical vocational training was largely offered to 200 Level students during the second semester, while additional holiday programmes were optional and attracted separate fees.
Prof. Akinbode explained that upon assuming office, he identified the institutionalisation of vocational and entrepreneurial education as one of his key objectives. The support of relevant university authorities, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Development, Prof. Olawale Dairo, he championed the initiative and secured approval to integrate vocational training more broadly into students’ academic experience.
Under the new arrangement, both 100 and 200 Level students will participate in vocational training designed to promote progressive learning and practical skill acquisition. The existing university-wide practical training course for 200 Level students will also be retained to complement the expanded programme.
He explained that the revised structure would enable students to progress from foundational vocational skills at the 100 Level to more advanced techniques and entrepreneurial applications at the 200 Level, avoiding unnecessary repetition of previously acquired knowledge.
According to him, Skill Leaders are expected to introduce value-added learning in their respective fields, incorporating improved production methods, emerging innovations, product development, marketing strategies and other contemporary practices relevant to their areas of specialisation.
For instance, students learning soap-making and other vocational activities will have opportunities to improve their production techniques, enhance product quality and develop effective marketing strategies. The approach is intended to ensure that the training remains practical, progressive and responsive to changing industry demands.
Prof. Akinbode emphasised the importance of fostering independence, creativity and responsibility among undergraduates. He noted that entrepreneurial education should prepare students to identify business opportunities, solve problems and establish viable enterprises rather than rely solely on paid employment after graduation.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would reinforce FUNAAB’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also innovative, practically skilled and capable of creating employment for themselves and others.
