New Oyo federal varsity Announces March 6 Resumption for Pioneer Students, Releases 2025/2026 Academic Calendar

In a landmark development for higher education in Oyo State, the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), has fixed Friday, March 6, 2026, as the resumption date for its pioneer set of students. This comes as the institution gears up for its historic takeoff, following the approval of its 2025/2026 academic calendar during the inaugural Senate meeting.

The announcement was made in a statement by the Registrar and Secretary to the Senate, Amuni Mohammed Olayinka, on Friday. According to Olayinka, the Senate’s decision was based on detailed reports from the university management and the Committee of Deans and Directors, confirming the institution’s full readiness to welcome students.

“The University Senate, at its 1st (Inaugural) Statutory meeting held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, received reports on the preparedness of the university towards students’ resumption,” Olayinka stated. “Sequel to the consideration of these reports, the Senate took far-reaching decisions to ensure a smooth resumption and the wellness of students.”

The approved calendar outlines a structured timeline to fast-track the university’s integration into Nigeria’s academic landscape. Upon resumption on March 6, students will undergo registration from March 6 to March 10, followed by an intensive orientation programme running from March 11 to March 19. Lectures for the first semester are slated to commence on Monday, March 23, 2026, with the maiden matriculation ceremony holding on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

The first semester will wrap up with examinations in July 2026, paving the way for a short break. The second semester kicks off on August 3, 2026, and the entire session is expected to conclude by November 30, 2026. The 2026/2027 session is tentatively scheduled to begin on December 14, 2026.

Addressing potential concerns about accommodation in the host community of Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area, the university has adopted a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to provide secure and affordable housing. “The University has taken steps to provide hostel accommodation for students through public/private partnership arrangements,” the statement read. “The University will provide hostel accommodation within the communities around the University… at reasonable rent rates, properly regulated and secured by the University.”

Prospective students who have paid their acceptance fees will soon receive matriculation numbers to facilitate school fee payments and registration. Olayinka urged interested candidates to seize the opportunity, noting that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal remains open for changes of institution.

FUNATO, established in 2025 after its enabling bill was signed into law by the Federal Government, is poised to become a hub for agricultural innovation. The university’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi, assumed office in October 2025 and has been instrumental in its rapid development.

In a recent statement on the university’s official website, Professor Babayemi emphasized FUNATO’s mission: “Our mission is to produce graduates who are not only academically excellent but also entrepreneurially driven, technologically savvy, and prepared to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.” He welcomed pioneer students as the “foundation upon which the institution’s legacy will be built,” highlighting state-of-the-art facilities and a blend of theoretical and practical learning.

Research from multiple sources, including Punch Newspapers and the university’s portal, reveals that FUNATO offers 34 academic programmes across six colleges: Livestock Development and Environmental Sciences, Plant Science and Crop Production, Engineering and Technology, Agricultural Development and Human Ecology, Science and Computing, and Environmental Design and Geospatial Technology. These programmes are undergoing resource verification by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to ensure they meet global standards while tackling Nigeria’s agricultural and food security issues.

Notably, initial plans for resumption in November 2025 were adjusted to March 2026, allowing for comprehensive preparations, as shared in updates from OyoNews and other platforms. Recent milestones include the launch of the university’s website in December 2025 and honours for the Vice-Chancellor by the Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum (ODCF) for his contributions to education.

The university management has called on all admitted students to complete their registration promptly to avoid hitches. “Candidates who are interested in pursuing their choice programmes in FUNATO still have the opportunity to apply,” Olayinka added.

As FUNATO prepares to make history, stakeholders in Oyo State and beyond are optimistic about its potential to boost agricultural education and economic growth in the region.