The Federal College of Animal Health and Production, Ibadan, on Thursday, 23 July 2026, formally ushered in a new era of leadership with the official handover ceremony marking the assumption of office of Dr. Moshood Abiola Popoola as the Substantive Provost of the College.

The ceremony, which commenced promptly at 2:00 p.m. at the New Theatre Hall of the College, witnessed the formal transfer of leadership from the Acting Provost, Dr. Chidi Okpeze, to the newly appointed Substantive Provost, Dr. Moshood Popoola.

The event attracted an impressive gathering of distinguished guests and members of the College community, making it one of the most well-attended official ceremonies in recent times. Among the dignitaries present were the representative of the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Provosts of sister colleges, former Provosts and their deputies, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, the College Registrar, the College Librarian, the College Bursar (Chief Account Officer), staff members, students, and other invited guests. The fully occupied auditorium reflected the significance of the occasion and the widespread support for the College’s new leadership.

The colourful programme featured a series of activities designed to celebrate the transition and reaffirm the College’s commitment to academic excellence and institutional development. Highlights of the ceremony included:

• Opening Prayer
• Welcome and goodwill remarks by invited dignitaries
• Remarks by leaders of the various staff unions
• Goodwill messages from the Students’ Union Government
• Cultural performances by students of the College
• The formal handover of office from the Acting Provost to the Substantive Provost
• Reading of the profile and professional achievements of Dr. Moshood Popoola by the College Registrar
• The inaugural address of the Substantive Provost
• Vote of thanks and closing formalities

The event was professionally anchored by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Stephen Fapetu, whose coordination contributed to the smooth flow of proceedings.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Moshood Popoola expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, and all stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him. He reaffirmed his commitment to providing visionary, inclusive, and transparent leadership that will strengthen academic standards, promote research and innovation, enhance staff welfare, improve infrastructure, and position the College as a leading institution in agricultural education and training.

The official handover ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, with renewed optimism for sustained growth, institutional transformation, and excellence in teaching, research, and community service.

A comprehensive report of the ceremony, including photographs, the full text of the inaugural address of the Provost, and other presentations delivered during the event, will be published on the College website in subsequent updates.