FUNAAB Foreign African Scholarship Scheme (FUFASS)

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria had recently witnessed significant improvement in quantity and quality in the facilities for teaching, research and extension.  This is in further pursuance of our vision of making the University one of the top 10 universities in Africa and among the top 100 Universities worldwide in terms of quality of our products and impacts on national development. Major improvements in the teaching environment continue to be of major priority to the management of the University. In a way to build networks with other Institutions and Universities across the globe, Centre for Internationalization and Partnerships (CENIP) was established to strategically position Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Through CENIP, FUNAAB has developed strong and mutually rewarding linkages and partnerships with national and international Institutions and Agencies, especially in regions like Asia, Europe, North and South America. To achieve this goal, the Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta at its meeting of June 11, 2010 established the FUNAAB Foreign African Scholarship Scheme (FUFASS) in the Centre as a conscious effort to disseminate knowledge, through its contribution to sustainable development and poverty reduction, and support research efforts to be integrated into the international scientific community. Download FUFASS2012 APPLICATION FORM here

FUNAAB remains one of the very few Universities in Africa to promote the concept of internationalisation by providing scholarship opportunities for nominees of the Governments of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Gambia for Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Postdoctoral and Skills Acquisition Programmes. The Scheme was immediately given a national recognition through the National Universities Commission (NUC) which consequently launched it to the representatives of the concerned Countries. This is in fulfillment of one of the cardinal vision and mission promises of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun whose passion for internationalisation is unparalleled in the annals of the University.

The Scheme aims at keeping our students up to date by providing innovative teaching tools that encourage acquisition of skills and knowledge toward the development of their home countries in order to foster capacity building and ensure partnership in educational development of the sub-region. CENIP is grateful to the Vice-Chancellor for his laudable initiative and unflinching support for the takeoff of this programme. The Centre also acknowledges the contributions of Colleges and Departments for their invaluable inputs.

The FUFASS connects students to the University success and opportunity through major programs and services in the University admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, teaching and learning. The students are to undergo intensive training in Agricultural practices in order to acquire knowledge and skills that will enhance and promote professionalism in their career after completion of the programme.  They are to return home to apply the newly acquired skills and knowledge toward the development of their home countries in order to foster capacity building. Funding for the scholarship program is made possible by the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. FUFASS publishes the Handbook and other books that help international students prepare for study and succeed in higher education. It also maintains the popular link on the University web page (www.unaab.edu.ng.), which is visited by million unique visitors.
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and FUFASS look forward to another year of providing financial assistance to many African Foreign students as a way of supporting and fostering capacity building as well as ensuring partnerships in educational development of the sub-region.

Purpose of the scheme

Education is of critical importance within FUNAAB framework for the purpose of achieving a safe and just African sub region free of poverty. The thrust of the FUFASS scholarships is aimed at:

1. Meeting the short-term human resource training needs of selected countries within the West African sub region.
2. Striving to maximise the long term development impact of poverty reduction.
3. Placing national development needs ahead of personal development of individual awardees.

Levels of study

FUFASS scholarships are available for the following levels:

Skills Acquisition Programmes (SAP): A 6-month intensive programme for high school leavers to acquire basic skills in Agricultural practices including Poultry Management, Horticulture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Animal Health, Animal Production Technique, Water Resources Management and others. Eligibility: A high school certificate with credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Agriculture. For Six months Skills Acquisition Programmes (SAP), the students are expected to undergo a six-month intensive training in the following areas, for the enhancement and promotion of professionalism in their respective fields of endeavours in their home countries or anywhere else where such expertise are required:
i.          Animal Health;
ii.         Animal Production Technique;
iii.        Aquaculture and Fisheries Management;
iv.        Horticulture;
v.         Poultry Management; and
vi.        Water Resources Management.

Undergraduate Programmes (UP): A four/five/six-year programme available in various disciplines including Natural Sciences, Engineering, Animal Sciences, Plant Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Human Ecology. Eligibility: As in (i) above.
Postgraduate Programme (PGP): A two year programme leading to Masters degree or 3 year programmes leading to Doctorate degrees in various disciplines as in (ii) above. Eligibility:  A Bachelor (B.Sc) degree – minimum of second class upper division or a Masters Degree (M.Sc) – minimum of 60% aggregate as the case may be, in addition to high school certificate with credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Agriculture.
Post Doctoral Programme (PDP): A one year programme in any of the various disciplines mentioned in (ii) above. Eligibility:  A Doctorate (PhD) degree of not more than 3 years of post-qualification.

Commencement
As part of internationalization effort of the federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, the University Senate and Council of the University approved the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Foreign African Scholarship Scheme (FUFASS) which commenced with effect from the 2010/2011 Academic Session. The first beneficiaries of this scheme from the Republic of Liberia, Gambia and Sierra Leone commenced the programme in January, 2011.
Application forms
Application forms for 2012/2013 session are now available for download at: www.unaab.edu.ng. Completed application forms of candidates nominated by concerned countries should be sent through the Embassies in Nigeria to reach the Registrar, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.M.B. 2240, Nigeria on or before Friday 29th June, 2012. Each country is expected to nominate for  2012/2013 session as follows:

1. Six months Skills Acquisition Programmes (SAP): Six (6) candidates.
2. Undergraduate Programme (UP): Three (3) candidates
3. Postgraduate Programme (PGP): One (1) candidate
4. Post Doctoral Programme (PDP): One (1) candidate

Total: Eleven (11) candidates from each country.
Requirements

1. Candidates must complete the Application form
2. All educational Certificates must be authenticated
3. Candidates must obtain a minimum of five (5) credits passes in WASC, including English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology/Agricultural Science.
4. Medical Certificate of Fitness obtained from a Teaching Hospital or any Government Hospital
5. The HIV Test Certificate obtained from a Teaching Hospital or any Government Hospital
6. Authenticated Birth Certificate
7. Clean Record Certificate from Police of concerned country
8. Photocopies of International Passport or ECOWAS Passport
9. The age limit: SAP- forty (40) years, UP -thirty (30) years, PGP -thirty five (35) years, PDP -forty (40) years.

FUFASS information on resumption and studendship

Allowances and entitlements: A summary of FUFASS allowances and entitlements is provided in the admission letter. The UFASS Co-ordinator will also explain the payment procedures for your stipends and other entitlements. On arrival in Nigeria, you must open a Nigeria bank account and give the FUFASS Office your bank account number as soon as possible. This is so that your stipends can be paid by direct credit into your bank account.
Tuition fees: FUFASS funds the major course costs of your study such as tuition, accommodation, enrolment, orientation fees and insurance covers, and these costs are paid directly by the University. All visa related expenses and international travels are to be borne by the awardees or nominating countries.
Course expenses: FUFASS provides individual allowances to cover some of your course costs: local transportation, feeding, maintenance, Books/Periodicals. No further provision for course related costs is available from FUFASS. There will be other course expenses that you are expected to pay for from your stipends. These may include, but not limited to general course expenses such as stationery, internet charges, photocopying, telephone, conferences and seminars.
Accompanied F UFASS student: FUFASS student is not entitled to assistance with basic costs if he/she brings spouse/partner and /or children to Nigeria. No provision is made under UFASS to assist you in supporting your dependant family members while you are studying in Nigeria.
FUFASS in Nigeria: In Nigeria, the FUFASS is funded by Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Further information about FUFASS is available on the website: www.unaab.edu.ng. FUFASS Office is responsible for the pastoral care of foreign students and reports on their academic progress. While you are studying in Nigeria, the FUFASS Office with the responsibility for FUFASS students will manage your scholarship on day-to-day basis. The FUFASS Office will provide you with support while you are in Nigeria. Please contact the FUFASS Office if you have any questions or concerns regarding your study or welfare.
Arrival in Nigeria: FUFASS Co-ordinator will make arrangements for you to be taken to the accommodation that has been arranged for you.
Arrival briefing: Within a few days of arriving in Nigeria, the FUFASS Co-ordinator will:

1. provide an on-arrival briefing to explain how your study programme will work and to tell you about federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
2. inform you about the terms and conditions of FUFASS, including your allowances and other entitlements.
3. explain your approved study programme and course-related issues, including the enrolment process;
4. provide you with advice on accommodation and other student support services which are available at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta;
5. explain access to the FUNAAB medical system and outline the insurance scheme under which you will be covered;
6. give you information about being a student at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, contacts for student associations you can join, and a map of the campus; and
7. provide you with useful information about the community you will be living in.

Academic record: FUFASS Office will monitor your academic performance and carry out interviews to discuss your progress. The FUFASS Office will keep FUNAAB informed about your progress and forward this to your home country. FUFASS Office will also provide information or assist you with a range of situations, including: travel arrangement for return to your home country; and advise on production of your thesis, if you are a postgraduate student.
Private travel: If you are to undertake any travel outside Nigeria, you are required to inform FUFASS Co-ordinator before you leave. You may undertake private travel while you are here in Nigeria, at your cost. You should not miss any class schedule or coursework due to private travel and it must not affect your studies or completion date.
Final departure travel: You must leave Nigeria within 14 days of the completion of your scholarship, following your final examination or following submission of your thesis. You are not permitted to remain in Nigeria on completion of your studies to seek employment or medical treatment or for any other reason.
Immigration and Visas: Entry to and residence in Nigeria is controlled by the Nigeria Immigration Service. Further information about Nigeria Immigration is available on the website: www.immigration.gov. ng. You need a current passport to enter Nigeria. You must also ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months longer than your expected course completion date. The Nigeria Immigration Service advises that all people coming to study for more than three months are required to obtain a student visa. You must apply for student visa well before you come to Nigeria. You also need to maintain a current student permit all the time that you are in Nigeria. Do not let your passport, visa or student permit expire while you are in Nigeria.
Documents required on arrival:

1. Nominee is required to produce certificate of medical fitness from government approved hospital.
2. Nominee is required, at the time of registration, to present the originals of educational credentials, including academic transcripts.

Responsibilities of the nominees/awardees: The purpose of FUFASS scholarship scheme is for the awardees to gain knowledge and skills in order to contribute to the development of their home countries in government, civil society or private sector organizations on completion of their scholarships. Receiving the FUFASS is recognition of your previous achievements as well as your potential to assist in the development of your country, and as such, it is an important opportunity for you.
In support of the guiding principle stated above, each nominee is expected to:

1. obey the laws of Nigeria;
2. adhere fully and strictly to the rules and regulations of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta;
3. conduct yourself in an appropriate manner;
4. be familiar with the academic requirements of your scholarship and apply yourself to your studies to achieve these.
5. inform the FUFASS Co-ordinator immediately of any academic or personal factors that may affect your ability to continue with your studies or scholarship;
6. ensure that FUFASS Office has your current residential  and postal details, in Nigeria and in your home country;
7. acquire skills, knowledge and a qualification during the course of scholarship
8. complete their qualifications in the minimum time possible
9. budget within their stipends
10. pay any loans, debts and fines you may incur while studying;
11. contact the FUFASS Office to discuss booking travel to your home country at the  end of the academic year;
12. return to their home countries for at least 2 years on completion of their scholarships; to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge toward the development of their home countries.

In addition, the following must be noted:

1. After being notified as recipient and if you are unable to accept the scholarship, please reply to that effect.
2. Contact the FUFASS Office for answers to your scholarship questions, or if problems arise that may affect continuation of your scholarship.
3. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta scholarship recipients are required to attend the FUFASS Orientation Programme at the beginning of each session.
4. Attendance and full participation at each training session are required for continuing candidature.

Address of contact Officers

1. Co-ordinator of FUFASS: James Ola. Daramola (PhD);e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Telephone: +2348051099403

1. Director of CENIP: : Olukayode D. Akinyemi (PhD); e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Telephone: +2348062937241