The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO) in Kajola Local Government, Oyo State, has scheduled its pioneer resumption for Friday, March 6, 2026.
This announcement follows the university’s inaugural statutory Senate meeting, which was held on Wednesday, February 4, 2025, at which the academic roadmap for the institution’s first-ever cohort of students was ratified.
In a statement released on Friday by the Registrar and Secretary to the University Senate, Amuni Mohammed Olayinka, the university confirmed that the Senate’s decision was informed by comprehensive reports on the institution’s readiness for its historic takeoff.
In the statement, Olayinka said, “The University Senate, at its 1st (Inaugural) Statutory meeting, received reports from the University Management and Committee of Deans and Directors on the preparedness of the university towards students’ resumption.
“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 2025/2026 academic calendar outlines a fast-paced schedule designed to establish the university’s footing within the national academic cycle. Following the March 6 resumption, registration will take place through March 10, followed by an intensive orientation period from March 11 to March 19.”
Formal academic activities will commence shortly after.
“First semester lectures are scheduled to begin on Monday, March 23, 2026,” the Registrar noted, adding that the session’s landmark matriculation ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
The first semester is expected to conclude with examinations in July, followed by a brief break before the second semester kicks off on August 3, 2026. The university aims to wrap up the entire session by November 30, 2026, with the subsequent 2026/2027 session tentatively set to begin on December 14.
Addressing concerns regarding student housing in the developing host community, the university management revealed a strategic Public-Private Partnership model to secure decent living conditions for the pioneer students.
“The University has taken steps to provide hostel accommodation for students through public/private partnership arrangements. The University will provide hostel accommodation within the communities around the University… at reasonable rent rates, properly regulated and secured by the University,” the statement read.
The Registrar further clarified that matriculation numbers would soon be allocated to all applicants who have already fulfilled their acceptance fee obligations. This will enable students to proceed with the payment of school fees and official registration.
“Candidates who are interested in pursuing their choice programmes in FUNATO still have the opportunity to apply, as the JAMB portal is still very open for the change of their university of choice,” Olayinka advised.
The Vice-Chancellor and the University Senate concluded the announcement by congratulating the prospective students, welcoming them as the foundation upon which the institution’s legacy will be built.
FUNATO was established in 2025, after its bill was signed into law, and is making its final push toward matriculating its first students.
PUNCH Online reported that the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, FUNATO, Professor Olaniyi Babayemi, said, “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.”
As the newly established institution prepares to welcome its first batch of students, the management urged prospective candidates to complete their registration promptly to avoid last-minute technical hitches.
