A brand new chapter in Nigerian education is being written in Okeho, a town in Kajola Local Government, Oyo State, where the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology is celebrating a momentous achievement. The institution has officially launched its maiden academic session, inviting qualified candidates to become part of history as its very first students.

The excitement surrounding this development is palpable, and with good reason. This isn't just another university opening its doors. It represents a thoughtful investment in Nigeria's future, combining two critical fields that will shape the country's development: agriculture and cutting-edge technology.

Professor Olaniyi Babayemi, the university's pioneer Vice-Chancellor, captured the significance beautifully when he described the admission exercise as a landmark step for Nigeria's educational sector. His vision is clear and inspiring: to build a science-based center of excellence where agriculture meets innovation, creating solutions for tomorrow's challenges.

What makes this opportunity especially meaningful is the university's commitment to finding truly dedicated students. The institution has emphasized that it's seeking pioneers who understand they're not just enrolling in classes but laying the foundation for a lasting legacy. To ensure this level of commitment, the university is prioritizing candidates who selected FUNATO as their first-choice institution, demonstrating genuine interest in being part of this historic journey.

The standards are impressively high, reflecting the institution's dedication to excellence from day one. With a minimum UTME score of 150 and a requirement for five O'Level credits, the university is ensuring that its inaugural class will be academically strong and ready to rise to the challenges ahead.

The timeline is moving quickly, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and purpose. Online registration, which began recently, will close on Monday, January 12, 2026, with the actual screening exercise taking place from January 19 to January 30. The university management is thoughtfully encouraging prospective students to complete their registration promptly to ensure a smooth process.

The Ripple Effect: The impact of this new institution extends far beyond its campus boundaries. By focusing on the intersection of agriculture and technology, FUNATO is positioning itself to produce graduates who can address food security, sustainable farming practices, and technological innovation. These are precisely the skills Nigeria and the broader African continent need to thrive in the coming decades.

Professor Babayemi's vision for the students is particularly inspiring. He envisions graduates who are academically excellent, entrepreneurially driven, and technologically savvy, equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century. This holistic approach to education recognizes that success in today's world requires more than textbook knowledge.

In his encouraging words to prospective students, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that they would find an environment nurturing curiosity, creativity, and excellence. He reminded them that choosing FUNATO means choosing to be pioneers, to be part of something transformative from its very beginning.

As this exciting new institution prepares to welcome its first students, it represents hope, progress, and the power of strategic investment in education. The young people who walk through its doors will not just be students but trailblazers, setting the standard for all who follow.