FUNAAB VC, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun (arrowed) in a cheering mood with members of the University’s Student Union and NANS, Ogun State Chapter during the New Year luncheon, held at the VC’s Lodge
It was a splendid evening, when the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, treated the Executive members of the institution’s Student Union and those of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Chapter, to a sumptuous New Year luncheon.
Prof. Balogun, a Patron of NANS in Ogun State, in his usual character, was observed to be relaxed with the student leaders, mingling and interacting freely with them, devoid of any officialdom, in the Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge.
On hand, to receive the NANS delegation along with the Vice-Chancellor was his wife, Prof. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Balogun; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Felix Salako; the Bursar, Mr. Moses Ilesanmi and the Director, Institute for Human Resources Development (INHURD), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde.
Others included the Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS), Prof. Kayode Bamgbose and the Assistant Director/Head, Public Relations, Mr. ‘Lasun Somoye.
The student leaders obviously had a good moment of fun as they were treated to sumptuous meal with choice drinks and good music from a live band.
The reception, which was informal, was not only for wining and dining as the Vice-Chancellor used the forum to showcase his cordial relationship with NANS.
Explaining why he accepted to be the Patron of Ogun NANS, Prof. Balogun stated that “it is based on agreement that we will do things in the best global practice”.
“It is also based on agreement that you will be responsible student leaders, who as a matter of principle, will pursue your grievances with civility and maturity and this is actually what you have been doing. This is why wherever you find NANS, Ogun State Chapter, you can be rest-assured I will be there”, he added.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that his acceptance to be a Patron was informed by the cordial relationship and peaceful co-existing between him, FUNAAB Students Union Executive and NANS generally.
He explained further: “what we have now (the luncheon) is not just starting now, it’s been on for four years and it is based on your request to pay homage to your Vice-Chancellor and Patron”.
Prof. Balogun assured the student leaders that “whatever is within our means, we will do to really support FUNAABSU and the parent branch of their Union” and prayed God to make the student leaders successful in life.