Outgoing Provost of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Ibadan, Dr. Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo, has appealed for the reinstatement of the institution’s eligibility for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), emphasizing that access to such funding is crucial for improving facilities and curbing the ongoing issue of brain drain in the agricultural sector.
Dr. Owosibo explained that despite the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing tertiary education, the college has not benefited from TETFUND since 2010.
He noted that securing TETFUND funding would have improved infrastructure upgrades, including the renovation of dilapidated facilities and the provision of essential equipment for students’ practical training. “We plead that this TETFUND funding will be extended to us to upgrade our facilities and to mitigate brain drain from our system,” he said.
The Provost pointed out that the absence of TETFUND support has forced the institution to rely on government allocations, which, while appreciated, remain insufficient to meet the growing needs of the college. “We survive with the meager envelope system of budgeting that the government gives to us, but we could be much better off if we had access to the kind of funding that other institutions benefit from,” Dr. Owosibo remarked.
He further highlighted the implications of the lack of adequate funding on the college’s ability to provide practical exposure for students, particularly in areas such as abattoirs, supporting farms, and outreach centers. “Some of our vehicles are old and not fit for purpose,” he noted. “We lack the resources to adequately take our students for practical exposure, and that is critical for their training.”
Addressing the challenge of staff welfare, Dr. Owosibo acknowledged occasional unrest due to delayed salaries and outstanding promotion arrears. “Though the government has documented the promotion arrears, there is a delay in capital backing, but we trust that these will be addressed in due course,” he said. “We continue to communicate with the unions and staff, ensuring they understand that the government is committed to their welfare.”
Dr. Owosibo also stressed the importance of the college’s visibility in the public sphere. He recommended that the incoming Provost focus on showcasing the institution’s achievements, particularly through social media, print media, and broadcast outlets, to enhance the public’s awareness of its impact on agricultural education.
Looking to the future, Dr. Owosibo advised his successor to prioritize completing ongoing projects, such as the construction of staff offices and the completion of road infrastructure within the campus. “The new Provost should ensure that there are no abandoned projects, and that attention is given to road networks as we receive funding from the Federal Government,” he advised.
