Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO) Opens 2025/2026 Admissions

The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), located in Kajola Local Government, Oyo State, has achieved a foundational milestone through initiation of its inaugural academic session operations.

University management released a Friday statement inviting qualified applicants to participate in the institution’s first-ever 2025/2026 Post-UTME online screening exercise, formalizing the federal institution’s operational commencement in Oyo State.

Pioneer Vice-Chancellor Professor Olaniyi Babayemi contextualized the admission exercise’s significance, stating, “This admission exercise is a landmark step for Nigeria’s educational sector, as we set out to build a science-based center of excellence specifically designed to blend agriculture with cutting-edge technology.”

A critical management statement element emphasized strict JAMB preference adherence, with the university clarifying that exclusively candidates designating FUNATO as their primary choice would receive consideration during the current admission cycle.

Management stressed the institution seeks pioneers prepared to establish foundational legacies, explaining that to ensure admission of students genuinely committed to this vision, candidates must have selected FUNATO as their first-choice institution.

Babayemi elaborated on selection philosophy: “We are not just building a university; we are cultivating a community of scholars and change-makers who will transform the agricultural and technological landscape of our nation.”

The ongoing online registration will conclude within days according to the official schedule.

University management confirmed the registration portal closes Monday, January 12, 2026, with actual screening exercises scheduled from January 19 to January 30.

Addressing entry requirements, the statement noted that with a minimum UTME score of 150 and strict requirement for five O’Level credits, the institution commits to maintaining elevated academic excellence standards from inaugural operations.

Regarding institutional mission, the Vice-Chancellor stated, “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 receive its inaugural student cohort, management urged prospective applicants to complete registration promptly, avoiding last-minute technical complications.

The statement concluded by challenging applicants to perceive themselves beyond mere student status, positioning them as foundational elements of the university’s future trajectory.

In closing encouragement, Babayemi said, “To our prospective students: You are choosing to be pioneers. Here, you will find an environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and excellence as we begin this journey together.”

PUNCH Online reported on October 5, 2025, that the FUNATO Vice-Chancellor indicated the institution was prepared to commence academic activities following official Federal Ministry of Education assurance.

Babayemi made the announcement in a prior statement.

FUNATO positions itself as a science-based excellence center specifically engineered to integrate agriculture with technology disciplines.

The institution’s launch represents federal government efforts to expand specialized higher education infrastructure in southwestern Nigeria while addressing national agricultural development and technological innovation imperatives through targeted academic programming.

FUNATO joins a growing cohort of specialized federal universities established to advance sector-specific national development priorities beyond traditional comprehensive university models. The agriculture-technology integration focus reflects governmental recognition that agricultural transformation requires technological adoption and innovation rather than conventional farming approaches.

However, inaugural operations success will depend on factors including adequate funding allocation, faculty recruitment capable of delivering the specialized curriculum, laboratory and farm infrastructure development, and ability to attract quality students despite the institution’s nascent status without established reputation or alumni networks.

The first-choice preference requirement—while ensuring student commitment—may limit applicant pools during initial cycles, potentially affecting admission numbers and student quality metrics as the institution competes against established universities for high-performing candidates.