The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho is set to witness a defining moment in its history as it rolls out plans for the grand celebration of its inaugural Founder’s Day scheduled to hold on Friday, 22nd May 2026, at the University Football Field, Okeho, Oyo State.
The epoch-making event is expected to attract distinguished personalities from across the education sector, government circles, religious institutions, traditional communities, and the general public as the institution celebrates its emergence as one of Nigeria’s newest centres of academic excellence and technological advancement.
At the heart of the historic celebration is the unwavering commitment and visionary leadership of Abdulfatai Buhari, whose relentless advocacy and dedication culminated in the establishment of the university following the assent of the bill into law by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Founder’s Day celebration is widely regarded as a tribute to purposeful leadership, educational transformation, and the collective aspiration for national development through quality university education.
One of the major highlights of the event will be a high-profile public lecture titled, “University Education: Everybody’s Responsibility — Reclaiming the Nigerian University as a Catalyst for National Renewal,” to be delivered by renowned scholar and former Vice-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Prof. A. S. Gbadegesin. The lecture is expected to provide intellectual insights into the future of higher education and the role universities must play in rebuilding Nigeria’s socio-economic and moral landscape.
The ceremony will also feature an impactful talk on substance abuse by respected cleric Pastor Yemi Famoroti, aimed at sensitising students and youths on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of responsible living.
In another landmark development, the university will officially commission the newly established FUNATO Radio, a strategic communication platform expected to strengthen information dissemination, educational broadcasting, community engagement, and practical media training for students.
The Founder’s Day celebration will further showcase the creative and cultural identity of the institution through the selection of the official university anthem, alongside presentation of awards to the winner and runners-up who participated in the anthem competition.
Observers have described the forthcoming event as more than a ceremonial gathering, noting that it symbolises the birth of a new academic culture rooted in innovation, agricultural development, technological advancement, and national service.
With an array of entertaining and intellectually enriching activities lined up, the management of the university has called on staff, students,guests, and stakeholders to be seated by 9:30 a.m. ahead of the official commencement of proceedings at 10:00 a.m.
As anticipation continues to build, many education stakeholders have commended Senator Abdulfatai Buhari for championing a legacy project that is already positioning Okeho and Oyo State prominently on Nigeria’s educational map, while opening new opportunities for academic growth, innovation, youth empowerment, and national development.