Welcome To The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

Council received a report that Management directed the Royal Greens Guest House (RGGH) to deposit the profit generated at the Guest House into the University account.

Council noted that Management, in its usual shrewd fund management policy, had directed that the money be deposited in a dedicated fixed deposit account, as savings for the renovation, furnishing, etc, of the existing Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge, when it is vacated and becomes an Annex of Royal Greens Guest House.

Council noted the payment of profit to the University and directed that a letter of commendation be sent to the Management Board of RGGH while another letter be written to Chairmen of University Committees on the need to patronise the Guest House instead of other caterers.

Council received a draft of UNAAB Linkage Policy as presented by the Centre for Internationalisation and Partnerships (CENIP), through the University Management.

Council noted that the University has no policy on Research, Linkage and Consultancy, and so had been short-changed in the past.

Council noted that the present Centre for Internationalization and Partnership (CENIP) had gone through series of changes in nomenclature with some changes in its activities before its current name.

Council noted that the name was proposed out of the desire of the present administration to achieve the much needed full opportunities that abound globally and to fully internationalise the University through its overall goal of achieving a functional relationship with the University and within other agencies in the realisation of the mandate of UNAAB through optimum utilization of shared resources.

Council noted that through the Centre, the University has invested heavily on human capacity building and development, training  over 35 staff from various sections of the University (Academic and Non-teaching) internationally and 16 other academic staff who have been supported by Education Tax Fund (ETF) to get placements for Masters and Doctorate Training programmes Overseas.

Council noted that the newly established UNAAB Foreign African Scholarship Scheme (UFASS) is operating under the Centre as a conscious effort of disseminating knowledge  through its contribution to sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Council also noted that the programme could support research efforts to be integrated into the International Scientific Community through the creation of opportunities for nominees of the Government of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia, to undertake varying programs of study at UNAAB in order to foster capacity building and ensure linkage and partnership in educational development of the sub-region.

Council noted the impact of the policy to include:

1. Strong internal and external/international collaboration Linkages
2. Resulted-oriented partnerships with institutions and industries for optimum realization of training, research and extension mandates of UNAAB.

Council also noted, with commendation the contribution of Prof. L. O. Sanni, in terms of donation to the University from Foreign projects.

Council noted the mandate and policy statements of the programme and approved the draft UNAAB Linkage Policy, as a working document, for the Centre.

Council received an analysis report from the Internal Audit Unit, through the University Management, on Capital Projects, in relation to the price(s) of the contracts.

Council noted the importance of the Unit in the University, being the Financial Control Unit of the University.

Council noted that the report was focused on the project for the construction of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) Building which the Unit adjudged that the award price for the project was very competitive and cannot be faulted.

Council noted the Analysis Report by the Internal Audit Unit on Capital Projects and lent support to the commendations for good pricing and bargaining for the Procurement Planning Committee in the award of capital project contracts.

Council received a report that the University was proposing to construct a Porter’s Lodge/Linkway connecting Block ‘D’ with the new Female Hostel donated by  Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole

Council noted the importance of the project as it will enhance the beauty of the hostel environment and also make for effective hostel administration in terms of security as well as ensuring that the students were not left alone

Council noted that the project will consist of 1 no. Main lounge, 2 no. Bedrooms, Toilet/Bath, 1 no. Kitchenette, 1 no. Store, which could be used by hostel staff, as well as a waiting area.

Council noted that apart from the other benefits mentioned above, the project would also enhance the working environment for hostel staff.
Council noted that the drawings and the bills were done by the Physical Planning Unit of the University, who is the Consultant to the project, if awarded by contract, but however observed that some items like cement were priced very low on the BOQ which was done in January 2011 before the rise in the cost of cement.

Council considered and approved the proposed construction of Porters’ Lodge/Linkway connecting hostel block ‘D’ with the New Female Hostel donated by Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, and also approved that the project be executed through Direct Labour by the Physical Planning Unit of the University with the completion period of ten (10) weeks.

The Finance and General Purposes Committee (F & GPC) at its meeting held on Wednesday, 11th May, 2011 considered a wide range of matters brought before it by the University Management and made the following recommendations to Council for approval:

Council received the statement of University Cashbook balance as at 27th April, 2011.

Council noted that the University had been meeting its obligations as at when due and its finances were not threatened.

Council noted that the Federal Government released only about 23% of the original Capital Grants approved for the University in 2010.

Council observed that two (2) of the University accounts with the UNAAB Microfinance Bank had a deposit as against the earlier directive of Council.

Council therefore directed that the excess of the deposit in each account should be transferred to commercial banks.

Council noted with satisfaction and commendation for Management, the effective management of funds and efforts made at ensuring the speedy completion of work on 2010 capital projects even as funds were not satisfactorily released by the Federal Government.

Council accepted the statement of Cashbook balance as at 27th April, 2011 as presented by the University Management.

Council received a list of inspected vehicles and some economically unserviceable items suggested for boarding.

Council however observed that the report did not contain the date of the purchase of the vehicles, to determine their present economic values.

Council approved in principle, the boarding of the vehicles and other items in the list subject to the submission of information on the date of purchase, cost of the vehicles and present value, and the involvement of the Federal Ministry of Works in their valuation.

Council received a report of under-measurement of some items in the Bills of Quantities and additional works on the contract for the construction of Administrative Building for Farm Centre.

Council recalled that it had earlier approved the contract for the construction of Administrative Building for Farm Centre thus:

Contractor:            Messrs Shegs Contracts Limited
Consultant:            Messrs package Consultants
Council noted that the work had since commenced and appreciable progress made.

Council was informed that the major issues in contention were:

1. Extra work in the foundation due to the topography of the site
2. Error in the bills of quantities on windows and doors element
3. Difference in concrete work items, particularly in reinforcement

Council was also informed that both the Consultant, the Physical Planning Unit of the University and the Contractor, after undertaking a joint site measurement of the contentious items agreed on some additional works.

Council noted that the cost of the under-measured items and the additional works had now revised the contract sum.

Council considered and approved the cost of under-measured items and additional works and thereby raising the contract sum for the construction of Administrative Building for Farm Centre.

Council received a report that additional work needed to be done on the reconstruction of the Ceremonial Road for the overall satisfactory performance of the finished work.

Council recalled its earlier approval that the project be awarded as follows:

Contractor:            Messrs Oriental Femab-Amimike Quarry and Construction Ltd.
Consultant:            Messrs ALF & Partners

Council however noted that the contract, when awarded, did not include the extension of the road at starting and end, drainage points 0 + 000 and 0 + 350 to cover effectively all the turning in and out from the University campus.

Council was informed that the Consultant for the project, Messrs ALF & Partners, particularly pointed out the additional works thus:

1. Extension of the road at starting and end drainage points 0 + 000 and 0 + 350 to cover effectively all the turning in and out from the University campus.

1. Demolition and reconstruction of culverts to provide access to and from Sports Complex and the 2,500 Seater Auditorium Complex.

1. Desilting of the entire side drain to allow for unobstructed flow of surface run-off water in the drainage.

1. Excavation of the projected 120m access road to provide a gentle slope into the ceremonial road

Council noted that a joint team comprising the Consultant, Resident Engineer, the Contract’s Site Engineer, the representative of the Physical Planning Unit of the University, and the Users Committee undertook a joint site measurement of the additional works and agreed at a variation out of which the sum allowed in the Bill of Quantities contingency sum was used to settle part of the additional works carried out by the contractor, and a balance was expected to be provided by the University to execute the remaining additional works.

Council noted that going by the new arrangement, the contract sum has been revised.

Council noted the need for additional works on the reconstruction of the Ceremonial Road as explained above and approved that additional works outlisted above on the project be carried out for the overall satisfactory performance of the project.

Council received the report of the External Auditors on the Domestic Report and the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30th June, 2009.

Council was informed that plans were already at an advanced stage to align the University’s financial year with the Federal Government’s which begins in January and ends in December instead of the present July-June.

Council noted with satisfaction, the improvement in accumulated fund and the shrewd and efficient management of University resources over the period under review and advised Management to keep up the good work.

Council considered and accepted the External Auditor’s Domestic Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30th June, 2009.

Council received a report of additional work on the contract for the construction of 2,500-Seater Capacity Auditorium.

Council noted that it had earlier approved the project thus:
Contractor              -        Messrs Nidave industrial Ventures Limited
Consultant              -        Messrs Peogat Engineering

Council noted the report that in the course of executing the project, it became imperative to introduce additional facilities in the basement of the building so as to maximize the correspondent space created by the slopy topography of the site as effective instead of wasting money and time filling up the additional space created.

Council noted the information that the Consultant on the project, Messrs Peogat Engineering, had assessed the space and it is over 500m2 which he advised could be used for a lecture hall of 250 seating capacity and some office spaces.

Council noted that the FGN had released only 43% of the approved 56% for the project but was assured that the project would be completed from Extra Government Earnings.

Council was encouraged by that promise and was totally convinced that the project was worth the while by creating additional space which could be used as a lecture hall and some office spaces and would enhance the aesthetics of the building.

Council was informed that after critical assessment and evaluation of the space created, both the Consultant, the Contractor and the Physical Planning Unit of the University agreed on an additional cost for the additional work created as a result of additional space due to topography of the site.

Council noted that the new arrangement would result in the increase in the contract sum.

1. Council noted that the topography of the site for the construction of 2,500-Seater Capacity Auditorium Complex had affected the initial plan of the project thereby creating additional space at the basement of the building which could be used for a lecture hall of 250 seat capacity and some office spaces.

(ii)      Council approved the cost of additional works at the construction of 2,500-seater capacity auditorium complex thereby raising the contract sum.

Council received a list of thirty-two (32) capital projects being proposed as enumerated in the table below for  consideration and approval.

Council after due deliberation, approved in principle, the execution of thirty one (31) out of the thirty two (32) above enumerated projects based on priority and availability of funds.

Council received a proposal on the modalities for the completion of FGN 2010 Capital Projects.

Council noted the amount initially approved for UNAAB in the 2011 FGN capital grant which was later reviewed downward with only 54% thereof appropriated.

Council noted the total value of contracts awarded under the reviewed 2010 capital appropriation out of which only 48.2% of the reviewed appropriation had been released to the University, to date, by the Federal Government.

Council noted the plan of Management to fund the balance of 51.8% from the IGR of the University and that part of the balance had already been released to the projects from IGR as at May 11, 2011, leaving a balance to complete the already awarded contracts which were at various stages of completion.

Council noted the good intention of the present administration of the University not to abandon any project and also noted the significant under funding (only 48.2%) of the already awarded 2010 Capital Projects by the Federal Government which had caused financial implementation problem.

Council commended Management’s efforts in keeping the contracts going even as funds were not released by the government as promised.

Council noted that though FGN encouraged the University to go ahead with the 2010 projects, it did not release funds as promised.

Council also noted that contractors were not owed to the extent of taking the University to court as provided in the contract clause.

Council considered and ratified the money spent by Management from IGR on the projects and approved further ejection from IGR, for the completion of the 2010 Capital Grant Projects so that the University would not be littered with abandoned projects.

Council ratified the executive approval of the Vice-Chancellor on the following cases:

i.        Renewal of Contract Appointment – Dr. F. A. Oguntoye, Director, Information and Communication Technology Resource Centre (ICTREC).

ii.       Upgrading from the post of Junior Research Fellow to Assistant Lecturer:

Mr. O. O. Ajani, Dept. of Plant Breeding & Seed Technology

Mr. A. K. Aromolaran, Dept. of Agric. Extension & Rural Development

Mr. O. A. Ojelabi, Dept. of Biochemistry

iii.      Renewal of Appointment as Junior Research Fellow and Leave of Absence – Mr. O. D. Bolarinwa, Dept. of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development.

iv.      Sabbatical Leave – Prof. K. A. Okeleye, Dept. of Plant Physiology & Crop Production.

v.       Study Leave with Pay:
Dr. O. A. Jayeola     -        Dept. of Forestry and Wildlife Mgt.
Dr. O. O. Oni          -        Dept of Vet. Medicine and Surgery

vi.      Renewal of Study Leave with Pay - Mr. C. I. Alarima, Dept. of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development.

vii.     Extension of Study Leave without Pay - Dr. U. Y. Anele, Dept. of     Pasture and Range Management.

Council received a report on the Main Entrance of the COLERM (Phase II) building.

Council noted the observation that the entrance to a College Building was expected to have a proper transit area as landing and distinct in appearance to give the approach identity of an entrance to the building.

Council noted the following as corrective measures:

1. A recessed entrance as its defining feature for the entrance.

ii.       Within the recessed entrance porch, the differential in topography allowed for introduction of additional steps.

1. It was necessary to have a more functional setting by discarding recessed entrance with no landing and have a projected entrance which would allow for pushing out of the steps to allow for adequate landing that would precede entrance into the building.

Council noted the cost implication of the project.

Council considered and approved the cost implication on the proposed construction of COLERM (Phase II) Main Entrance Porch.

Council received a memorandum on the decisions of the Tenders Board on projects awarded on its behalf from 16th December, 2010 to date.

Council noted the project thus:

1. Supply and installation of 500KVA Transformer and Extension of Service Line to the Postgraduate, COLFHEC and COLERM (Phase II) Building.

1. Completion of the site office at the Institute of Human Resources Development (INHURD)

1. Construction of Student Hostel at the Institute of Human Resources Development (INHURD) Village.

1. Direct Procurement of Furniture and Office Fittings for the University
2. Construction of Box Concrete Culvert along the Second Gate to the Farm Centre Road.

1. Construction of Students’ Hostels.

1. Construction of Interlocking Paved Walkways (Zone A) at the University Campus.

1. Construction of Interlocking Paved Walkways (Zone D) at the University Campus

1. Construction of Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge

1. Construction of Pro-Chancellor’s Lodge

Construction of Chancellor’s Lodge

Council noted that in all the projects, due process was followed in awarding the contract as listed below:

1. Advertisement for the pre-qualification/expression of interest in the Projects

1. Pre-qualification Evaluation
2. Returning and Opening of Bids
3. Consultants’ and Physical Planning Unit’s Tender Evaluation Reports and recommendations of the Procurement Planning Committee to Tenders board
4. Decision of the University’s Tenders  Board
5. Award

Council ratified the decision of Tenders Board on its behalf for the award of the above contracts.

Council considered and approved the decision of APCAS for confirmation of appointments of the under-listed staff:

Council received recommendations from the Appointment and Promotions Committee for Academic Staff (APCAS) on a number of issues and decided as follows:

Council considered and approved the decision of APCAS for confirmation of appointments of the under-listed staff:

Council considered and approved the sabbatical leave for one (1) year, on compassionate ground for:

Council considered and approved the application for upgrading of Dr. L. T. Egbeyale, having successfully completed his Ph.D programme:

Council considered and approved the applications for Study Leave with Pay for the under-listed staff:

Council considered and approved that Dr. A. N. Njah should maintain his status-quo as a Cameroonian until the Federal Government Gazette on the demarcation of the boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon were determined.       

Council approved the renewal of contract appointment of the following staff:

Council noted the recommendation of APCAS to consider the need to review Section 2.2.2.2 (ii) of the Senior Staff Rules and Regulations Handbook, which states inter-alia that:

“Contract Appointment shall normally be for two years in the first instance, and renewable at the discretion of Council every year up         to a maximum of 10 years for premature retirees and 5 years for           mature retirees”.

Members believed that the regulation did not take into consideration the case of expatriates.  Council therefore approved that Non-Nigerians who cannot ordinarily take up regular appointments be considered for renewal of contract appointment up to the retirement age like their Nigerian counterparts, provided they have residence and work permits.

Council noted the recommendation of APCAS on the criteria for the assessment of publications of academic staff and approved an amendment to Section 2.4.10 of the Senior Staff Rules and Regulations Handbook which states that:

“for successful Professorial and Readership prima-facie cases arising from APCAS upholding of recommendations, the Vice-Chancellor shall request the Dean to submit a list of six potential external assessors who shall themselves be eminent professors and reputable scholars in the candidates’ areas of specialization”

The approved amendment is that, at least two of the recommended assessors shall be offshore assessors.
The amendment has become necessary for the following reasons:

i)        To build up excellence in staff and enhance the dignity of elevation to Professorial status;

ii)       To internationalise the stature of individual staff; and
iii)      To enhance credence to staff of the University, as well as the University itself.

Council approved the recommendations of APCAS as contained in 8.0 – 8.9 above.

Council considered the notification of offer of provisional admission and approved the request for day release of Mrs. Makanjuola, an Assistant Registrar in the Registry. It noted that the day release was on Monday and therefore requested her to provide the lecture time-table for the programme accordingly.

Council considered and approved the Confirmation of Appointments of the underlisted staff who have spent the two years mandatory probation period and who met the required percentage scores in Punctuality and Regularity as well as in APER Form.

A.        Senior Staff

The appointment of Dr. O. O. Ososanya, Principal Medical Officer in the Health Services, was not confirmed because he was already above fifty (50) years of age at the time of his appointment in October 2, 2008 which was done in error. Section 2.2.2.1 (i) of the Rules and Regulations for Senior Staff states that:

“Only Nigerians below the age of, as applicable, 50 years for non-teaching staff or 55 years for academic staff were eligible for tenure appointment”.

Council approved that Dr. Ososanya should be so informed and be requested to indicate his willingness for contract appointment, if he so desired.

B. Junior Staff

Council received recommendations from Appointments and Promotions Committee for Non-Teaching Staff (APCONTS) and decided thus:

Council considered the notification of admission and approved the application for day release of the following junior members of staff who had been offered part-time admissions in various Tertiary Institutions as listed below:

Council considered and approved the application for renewal of Contract Appointment of Captain Sule, S. O. for another one year as Senior Environmental Officer with effect from April 24, 2011.

Council ratified the renewal of Contract Appointment of Mr. Oloruntoba as Coordinator, Budget earlier approved by the Vice-Chancellor, on its behalf. 

Council considered and approved the recommendation of APCONTS on the request for Notional Annual Increment and Notional Promotion made by Mr. O. G. Odigie, which was turned down owing to the fact that it lacked merit, was not made at the appropriate time and was also not in tandem with current Civil Service regulation which states as follows:

“020706—Officers on approved Leave of Absence, Secondment, approved Leave with Pay, Special Assignment, etc., shall not be granted notional promotion”.  

9.5 Application for Study Leave Without Pay – Mr. G. O. Adebayo

Council ratified the study leave without pay of Mr. G. O. Adebayo earlier approved by the Vice-Chancellor on its behalf. 

Council was informed that the report on the Review of Career Structure for the University had been submitted to Management by the Registry.

Council noted the information that the report was still with the University Management for consideration and onward forwarding to Council

Council accepted that the report be stepped down to allow Management consider same before forwarding to Council for consideration.

Council considered and approved the reports of Interview and Assessment Panels held on April 11 and 12, 2011 for the positions of Directors/Deputy Directors in Bursary, Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff, Environmental Management Unit, Sports, and Health Services.

Council noted that out of thirteen candidates interviewed, only six (6) were found appointable as summarised below:

Council approved the recommendation of APCONTS as containing in 9.0 – 9.9
above

Council considered the request of Dr. P.A. Adewuyi, a Senior Medical Officer in the Health Services for permission to enable him complete the training programme which he was earlier granted six (6) weeks, to attend the first module, and day release was approved in accordance with the extant rules and regulations.

Council received from the UNAAB Micro-Finance Bank, the actual report of the recent target examination by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and UMFB’s response on the issues raised by the regulatory body

Council noted that this submission was in line with its earlier directives at its 65th Meeting that the actual report be presented instead of an analysis of the report as presented at the 65th Meeting.

Council noted the responses by the Bank’s Management with commendation that the Bank had done well and directed that the responses be passed to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

Council received a report on Forty six (46) on-going Capital Projects in the University as at 6th May, 2011.

Council noted that out of the 46 projects, seven (7) had been completed and handed over to the University, ten (10) has been completed but still waiting final inspection and official handing over, while twenty nine (29) were still at various stages of completion.

Council also noted that some of the projects were behind schedule as some of the Contractors faced problems ranging from topographical problem of the sites to the Bill of Quantities and other contracts associated problems.

Council noted the information that the University Management had already taken a stand that contractors who were behind schedule by sixteen (16) weeks and above would not be considered for award of any contracts until they complete the ones they were currently handling.

Council commended Management for the efforts in ensuring the completion of the projects with quality and the level at which the remaining ones were, even as the Federal Government did not release funds as promised.

Council noted the report of all the on-going Capital Projects as at 6th May, 2011.

Council received a recommendation from Senate on the Honorary Degrees Committee.

Council noted that the Senate of the University was proposing to change the name of Honorary Degree Committee to Honorary Degrees and Monuments Committee.

Council noted that this was to enable the Committee to include additional and encompassing responsibility of naming of University’s Buildings, Streets and other monumental places in the Committee’s Terms of Reference.

Council noted that the Membership and Terms of Reference of the Committee will be thus:

Membership
Pro-Chancellor                                               -        Chairman
Vice-Chancellor                                              -        Alternate Chairman
Three External Representatives of Council        -        Members
Two Senate Representatives                            -        Members
Registrar                                                       -        Secretary

In Attendance
Legal Officer

Terms of Reference

1. To consider and approve recommendations from Senate for the award of Honorary Degrees, Fellowship or the title of Professor Emeritus.

1. To formulate guidelines for naming of University Buildings, Streets and other monumental places for Senate approval.

1. To make recommendations to Council through Senate for approval of proposed names.

Quorum: 60% of Membership
Frequency of Meeting: As the need arises.

Council approved the change of name of the Honorary Degrees Committee to Honorary Degrees and Monuments Committee and the new terms of reference.

Council received a letter of appreciation written to the Vice-Chancellor by the Head of Department, Home Science and Management, on behalf of the Staff and Students of the Department, appreciating the Vice-Chancellor for the great effort put in refurbishing the newly allocated Home Practiqum building as replacement for the old one acquired from them.

Council noted that the building had been overhauled and equipped with state-of-the-arts furniture for the students to have first hand opportunity to experience a functional living experience.

Council noted in the letter that with this gesture, the department had fulfilled one of the major conditions for re-accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Council noted the appreciation of the Department of Home Science and Management for the refurbishing of the newly allocated Home Practiqum Building.

Council received a report on the tripartite venture between the University, A.G. Leventis Group and a group of private investors comprising eminent Egba Sons in Ogun State.

Council noted the Share agreement of the venture.

Council also noted that in an earlier meeting in 2006, it also endorsed that the University assets (Land, Equipment and Machineries) at Kotopo and Ajura be its equity shares and the assets value were transferred to the company and the value sum credited in the University’s application for share accounts.

Council also noted that when the value of shares allotted to the University was deducted from the total value of asset transferred, the balance would be held as deposit for the University’s future allotment at an interest rate of 3% per annum.

Council noted that the University had been collecting monetary dividend for its shares as well as benefits in form of dividends and bonus shares from the operations of the Company, though limited.

Council noted that the declining fortune of the company in the past few years had been arrested and the performance of the company had once again returned to a profitable trend.

Council was informed of the plans of the company to expand its programme with the intention of establishing a Poultry Complex and Fishery which the Board and its Management believed would enable the company to consolidate the recovery and re-position it on profitability.

Council noted that the Company required more funds for both Working Capital and the acquisition of additional machinery to actualise this plan.

Council noted that the Federal Government land could not be used as collateral because of the implication of such action.

Council noted that the Company was requesting the University to kindly authorize the execution of the lease agreement between the University and the Company over the land and property at Kotopo and Ajura, which the University offered as consideration for its shareholding in the company, so that it could be used as collateral to collect a loan from a Commercial Bank to finance its expansion programme mentioned above.

Council considered and directed the University Management to seek for proper legal advice and guidance since the Federal Government of Nigeria had written that University land could not be used as collateral because of its legal implications.

1. Re-Construction of Senior Staff Accommodation for Farm Center.

Council received a report on the construction of Senior Staff Accommodation for Farm Centre

Council noted that the project was awarded to Messrs Churchgate Products Limited.

Council noted that the contractor had commenced work on the project and it was now at completion stage.

Council noted that items listed below were under measured on the Bills of Quantities and were later negotiated and agreed upon between the Contractor, the Consultant and the representative of Physical Planning Unit of the University thus:

1. Extra works in foundation due to the topography of the site
2. Extra works in floor finishing by replacing PVC tiles with ceramic tiles
3. Miscellaneous extra works

Council noted that the variation had raised the contract sum.

Council ratified the variation approved on its behalf by the Vice-Chancellor as the net increase cost of the construction of Senior Staff Accommodation for Farm Centre under construction which raised the original contract.

1. Re: Legal Action on the Refund of the paid Rent on the Proposed

Liasion Office/Guest House of the University at No. 2, Udo Udoma Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

Council received a report on the executive approval given on its behalf by the Chairman of Council that the University Management should engage the service of a Legal Firm to handle the refusal of the Landlord and the Caretaker to refund the rentage paid on the property as two years rent or hand over the keys of the building to the University for use as Liaison Office/Guest House.

Council noted that the University Management had engaged the services of a reputable Legal Firm, Wole Olanipekun and Co, to handle the matter on its behalf.

Council ratified the executive approval given on its behalf by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council that the University Management should engage the services of Legal Firm to handle the refusal of the Landlord and Caretaker/Agent to refund the rentage paid on the property as two years rent at No. 2, Udo Udoma Street, Asokoro, Abuja or hand over the property to the University for use as Liaison Office/Guest house of the University.

Council received a report on the delivery of books to the University Library by a charitable organisation ‘Books for Africa’, on Friday, April 22, 2011.

Council noted that the container was made up of 589 Cartons of Secondary, Post-Secondary and Tertiary Level Books, including Law and Medicine.

Council noted that the idea of the donation of the books was the initiative of Mrs. Adeola George, a newly appointed Principal Librarian in the University.

Council noted the amount the University had spent as port charges and freighting the books to UNAAB inclusive of the sum earlier transferred to the donor for shipping the books.

Council however noted that the estimated value of the books was well over Fifty Million naira (N50m) and the books would be distributed to the various Units of the University including Staff School and UNIS as soon as opening and sorting was completed.

Council noted the delivery of 589 cartons of Secondary, Post Secondary and Tertiary Level Books, including Law and Medicine to the University and the cost of bringing the books to UNAAB.

Council directed that a letter of commendation be written to Mrs. Adeola George for her initiative.

Council received a letter from the University Librarian through the University Management on the impending expiration of his Tenure as University Librarian.

Council noted that the present University Librarian was appointed the  2nd University Librarian on 25th May, 2001 for a term of Five (5) years and was renewed, based on satisfactory performance, for a final tenure of five years on the 25th May, 2006 which  would expire on the 24th May, 2011.

Council noted that the present University Librarian had performed well during his two term tenure as University Librarian.

Council noted that the tenure of the University Librarian would expire on the 24th May, 2011 and thereafter, he would proceed on his terminal leave.

Council received a report on the proposed endowment fund in support of the establishment of the College of Medical Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

Council noted that for the total success of the endowment fund raising, Management had written to the Paramount Rulers of Egbaland, Ijebu, Remo and Yewa to intimate them and seek their Royal support in mobilizing their eminent sons and daughters for the endowment fund.

Council noted that the Paramount Ruler and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo had already responded to the request, assuring the University of his total support for the project and his readiness to mobilise his subjects.

Council noted that the University was planning an endowment fund of one billion naira for the project.

Council noted the proposed endowment fund in support of the establishment of the College of Medical Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

Council received a report that the University Management had purchased six (6) additional Ashok Leyland Falcon buses directly from the Manufacturer in line with its approval during the 65th Statutory Meeting of Friday, December 17, 2010.

Council noted that the six (6) buses would go a long way in ameliorating the transportation problems of students for which the students were said to be appreciative.

Council noted the purchase of six (6) additional Ashok Leyland and Falcon buses by Management in order to ameliorate the transportation problem of students.

Council received a proposed organogram from the Directorate of Environmental Management.
Council noted the importance of Environmental Management and maintenance of cleanliness of the existing University infrastructural facilities.

Council also noted in the proposed organogram that the Directorate of Environmental Management would have two Deputy Directors.

Council approved the proposed organogram for the Directorate of Environmental Management.

Council received a report on the University’s Foreign African Scholarship Scheme (UFASS)

Council noted that the University wrote to intimate the Honourable Minister of Education of the Scheme.

Council also noted that that the Honourable Minister wrote to acknowledge with thanks and commendation, the initiative of the University in establishing this Scheme.

Council noted the acknowledgement letter and commendation from the Honorable Minister of Education to the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta on the UNAAB Foreign African Scholarship Scheme (UFASS).

Council received a response letter from Wole Olanipekun & Co of its acceptance to handle the case of non-delivery of a property at No 2, Udo Udoma Street, Asokoro, Abuja to the University after payment of due rent on Tenancy Agreement or refund of the money paid as rent.

Council noted in the response that the firm was still studying the papers as well as preparing the necessary processes to be filed in court and that the firm also wrote to the Landlord to demand for the money, giving him 14 days only to pay back.

Council noted the legal action against the landlord for refusal to hand over the property or refund the rent paid on the property at No 2, Udo-Udoma Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

Council received a report from the Management Board of Royal Greens Guest House (RGGH) on the prospect and present challenges of the Guest House.

Council observed that the paper did not pass through Management neither was it presented in the proper format. The paper was therefore withdrawn for proper presentation at a future date.

Council noted that the five (5) years 2nd tenure of the present University Librarian would end on the 24h May, 2011, having been appointed on the 25th May, 2001 and re-appointed for the second term of five (5) years on the 25th May, 2006.

Council noted that the University Management was proposing to appoint Dr. (Mrs.) Mulikat Olawanle Salaam, the current Deputy University Librarian and the next most Senior Officer to the University Librarian as the Acting University Librarian, pending the appointment of a substantive University Librarian.

Council noted with satisfaction that Dr. (Mrs) M.O.Salaam was experienced enough to be appointed as the Acting University Librarian, having spent about twenty five (25) years as a Professional Librarian and had served excellently as Acting University Librarian of Crescent University, Abeokuta, during her one-year sabbatical leave between 2006-2007.

Council approved the appointment of Dr. (Mrs) M.O. Salaam as Acting. University Librarian with effect from 25th May, 2011, and directed Management to circulate her updated Curriculum Vitae to Council Members.

Council received a report of the University Central Project Monitoring Committee for the month of April, 2011.

Council noted that out of the thirty seven (37) projects assessed, four (4) were completed, one (1) was of good progress and performance, twelve (12) were making good progress and twenty (20) recorded slow progress.

Council noted the report of the assessment of various on-going Capital Projects in the University as presented by the University Central Projects Monitoring Committee.

i)        The Case of allegation of obtaining money under false pretence to offer admission to Miss Olujuwon Elizabeth Leveled against Miss. Ozor, Prisca Funmilayo and Mr. Eniola, Olalekan Samuel

Council received a report from the Staff Disciplinary Committee (SDC) on the False Pretence to offer admission to Miss Olujuwon Elizabeth leveled against Miss Ozor, Prisca Funmilayo and Mr. Eniola, Olalekan Samuel.

Council noted that a case of misconduct was established by the University Investigation Panel against the members of staff.

Council noted that the SDC interacted with the members of staff concerned individually and later brought them together with a view of establishing the truth and also enquired about their character from other members of staff who were believed to be very close to them.

Council established from the findings that this was a case of gross misconduct of scandalous nature in line with section 5.4(i) of the University Rules & Regulation for Junior Staff; which states as follows:

Any of the following shall constitute an act gross misconduct:
a)       “Conduct of a scandalous or disgraceful nature, such as corruption, dishonesty, fraud, falsification or suppression of records, abuse of office, foul language, etc.

b)       Council directed that the following staff: Miss Ozor, Prisca Funmilayo and Mr. Eniola, Olalekan Samuel be dismissed from service of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in line with Section 5.11.3 (v) of the University Rules and Regulations of Junior Staff which states expressedly that:

“An employee of the University shall be summarily dismissed if he
corruptly accepts or obtains or causes any person, to accept or attempt to
obtain from any person, for himself or for any other person, any gift or
consideration as an inducement or reward for during or forbearing to do
any act in relation to the University’s affords or business or for showing or
forbearing to show favour or disfavour in relation to the University affairs
or business”.

ii)       Allegation of abscondment from duty and traveling out of the Country without the approval of the Vice-Chancellor leveled against Mrs. B.F. Egbonwon, Lecturer II in the Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM)

Council received a report of the Staff Disciplinary Committee on the investigation about the case with a view of a making a well informed decision.

Council noted that the SDC interacted with the Dean of the Staff, the Head of her Department and other members of staff concerned and also had a telephone conversation with the staff herself.

Council noted that from the investigation, there was no evidence that Mrs. Egbonwon neither completed nor submitted the bond form which she collected with her letter of release in 2007 to go for the programme abroad. She was supposed to resume duty in September 2010 but she came briefly and later absconded from duty and traveled outside the country without the Vice-Chancellor’s approval

Council noted that arising from the above, a case of gross misconduct bothering on abscondment from duty has been established against Mrs. Egbonwon in line with Section 5.4 (ii) of the University Rules and Regulations for Senior Staff which states expressly that:

“conduct prejudicial to discipline and good governance, insubordination (including unruly behaviour and disobedience to lawful instruction), negligence of duty, absence from duty without permission”

Council directed that the appointment of Mrs. B.F. Egbonwon with the University be terminated in line with the provision of Section 5.11.1 (ii) of UNAAB Rules and Regulations for Senior Staff. “Gross or persistent neglect of duty or misconduct either in the performance of duty or in any other situation”.

Council received a report on the donation of a One thousand-Bird Capacity Deep Litter Poultry House to the University by Alhaji Muibudeen Adebayo Allinson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eleshin Farms Nigeria Limited, Ilaro on Thursday, May 12, 2011.

Council noted that the gesture would go a long way in complementing the efforts of the University Administration in providing adequate facilities for students training in the University.

Council noted with thanks the kind gesture of Alhaji Muiibudeen Adebayo Allinson, and directed that the University Management should write a letter to thank him for the kind gesture.

Council received recommendations from the University Loans Committee.

Council noted that the University Loans Committee was proposing to disburse loans to members of staff who applied for various University Loans.

Council also noted that the University Loans Committee was proposing to review the University Furniture Loans upward by 100%.

Council however observed that the report for the upward review of the University Furniture Loan did not pass through Management and therefore directed that the review be stepped down to follow the normal procedure before coming to Council.

Council thereafter approved disbursement of loans to University staff who were considered and recommended by the University Loans Committee.

Council received a report of the Inaugural Meeting of INHURD Management Board held on Thursday, May 12, 2011.

Council noted the determination of the Board for the total achievement of the set mandates of the Institute.

Council noted the following extracts of the meeting and directed thus:

1. The Intra-Campus Road:

Council noted the request for intra-campus roads, particularly the Soremekun/Budo Ayetoro axis and directed that Messers Lateef Folarin be contacted to construct the collapsed culvert bearing in mind that many  earth roads had been approved for campus.

1. Unabsorbed Audited Staff:

Council directed that the concerned staff should respond to any advertisement for established and budgeted positions in the University.

1. Guidance and Counseling Service:

Council noted the recommendation that the services of the Guidance and Counseling Unit be extended to INHURD for its obvious benefits but directed that INHURD Management should apply to GRECC.

1. Information Technology Centre:

Council noted the request for the provision of ICT facilities to the Institute and agreed that, private service providers could be engaged, in the interim.

Council received a Supplementary Budget for the University for the year 2011.

Council noted that the Supplementary Budget was as a result of the Federal Government’s directive that Specialized University should expand their scope of operation and the plan of Management to introduce new Colleges of Law, Medicine and Management Sciences.

Council noted that though the 2011 budget was deficit, Management was planning to use the student’s school fees and other sources to cushion the effect.

Council noted the promise of Management to efficiently manage the funds and not to increase the deficit.

Council also noted that Management was also planning to employ some professionals (Professors) in the soon-to-be introduced disciplines to take over the planning of the new Colleges while arrangement would be made to fill more positions in the future.

Council approved the Supplementary Budget to take care of the newly proposed Colleges of Law, Medicine and Management Sciences for the University.

As a matter arising from the approval of the appointment of Dr. (Mrs) M.O. Salaam as the Acting University Librarian, Council observed that the appointment would bring the total number of Acting Principal Officers to three (3) out of a total of six (6) and requested for information on when the positions would be filled.

Council was informed that making staff act in these positions was to allow them to mature on the job to enable them perform well when the appointment was made eventually since the competition would involve aptitude test/written examination, computer literacy and the eventual interview all following due process.

Council was assured that the advertisement for the positions of the Registrar and Bursar would be placed in several National newspapers before the end of May, 2011.

Council observed that Barr. (Mrs) Jamila Ahmed Salik a Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) appointee on Council was absent at the meeting without apology.

Council noted that with the 66th Statutory Meeting, Barr. (Mrs) Salik was absent at Council Meetings for five (5) times.

Council directed that, Management should write to the Minister of Education informing her that Barr. (Mrs) Jamila Ahmed Salik had not attended five (5) consecutive Statutory Meetings of Council.

Council received information that, in line with recent Federal Government directive, on the diversification of Specialized Universities to embrace other courses, Management was planning to effect the diversification from 2011/2012 academic session.

Council opined that there was need for a retreat and strategic planning in view of the diversification of the University programmes to a full-fledged University.

Council noted that the retreat would give an opportunity for participants to develop an academic brief for identified new preference - Medicine, Law and Management Sciences.

Council noted the need for a retreat and approved that the retreat be organized for a strategic planning in view of the diversification of the University’s programmes

Council approved the second week of July 2011, i.e. 11-15th July, 2011 as the period for the 67th Statutory Meeting of Council.