By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has once again captured national attention as one of its eminent alumni, Dr. Kazeem Akande, has been conferred with the highly prestigious title of Member of the National Institute (mni) honour by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.
The mni distinction, widely regarded as Nigeria’s highest strategic leadership credential, places Dr. Akande among a select group of policymakers, technocrats and nation-builders entrusted with shaping the country’s policy and governance direction.
A graduate of the Soil Science and Land Management Department, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), of the then University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), now FUNAAB, Dr. Akande’s academic and professional journey reflects a deep-rooted commitment to scholarship, leadership and societal transformation.
Over the years, his intellectual depth and leadership acumen have attracted multiple honours. He is a seasoned administrator and development professional who has benefited from advanced leadership and management training at the Management Development Institute (MDI), the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo-Badagry. He currently serves as President of the Ecolerite Institute for Peace Advancement (EIPA) and Chairman of the Governing Council of the African Institute for Justices of the Peace.
Reflecting on his motivation for enrolling at NIPSS, Dr. Akande explained that his long-standing concern about policy failures and implementation gaps in governance inspired his deep interest in policy formulation and strategic leadership. This passion initially led him to undertake a short course in Policy, Strategy and Leadership, a step that eventually culminated in his successful completion of the prestigious NIPSS programme and the conferment of the mni.
His leadership trajectory traces back to his student days at FUNAAB, where he was an active member of the Rotaract Club of FUNAAB, District 9110, serving as Vice President and laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to youth development and community service.
Dr. Akande’s latest achievement not only marks a personal triumph but also reinforces FUNAAB’s enduring legacy as a breeding ground for visionary leaders, policymakers and global change-makers, whose impact continues to resonate far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
