The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has taken a decisive step toward building a cyber-aware academic community, with students emerging as the driving force behind a new campus-wide digital safety movement.
At the centre of this transformation is the launch of FUNAAB CyberTitans—a student-led cybersecurity network designed to promote peer-to-peer education and connect the university to Nigeria’s growing pipeline of future cyber professionals.
The initiative, championed by cybersecurity expert Prof. S. A. Onashoga, was unveiled during a two-day Campus-Wide Cybersecurity Awareness Programme held recently.
Rather than a traditional conference, the programme turned the campus into an interactive learning environment. Student volunteers moved across hostels, lecture halls, and social spaces, engaging peers and staff in real-time discussions on phishing scams, password vulnerabilities, and one-time password (OTP) risks—making abstract cyber threats tangible and relatable.
The campaign culminated in a well-attended grand finale at the COLCOMPS Auditorium, themed “Pause, Prevent, Protect for a Cyber-Safe Culture.”
In his keynote remarks, Prof. Onashoga described cybersecurity as “the oxygen of our digital lives,” highlighting the urgent need for behavioural change in an era where human error remains the weakest link.
Emphasising the academic foundations of the field, Prof. A. A. Agboola encouraged students to view mathematics as the engine of cybersecurity, while Prof. A. S. Sodiya advocated for a strategic mindset—understanding threats, protecting assets, and responding effectively to incidents.
From an institutional perspective, Dr. Mathew Wheto commended the student-led model, signalling stronger university support for future editions of the initiative.
Delivering a virtual keynote, Dr. Oluyomi Asogbon noted that most cyber breaches result from human actions rather than system failures, underscoring the importance of awareness campaigns in strengthening national digital resilience.
A standout moment of the event was a student-performed playlet dramatizing OTP compromise. Blending humour with practical lessons, the performance made cybersecurity risks more accessible and engaging for everyday users.
For many participants, the programme extended beyond awareness. Student coordinator Emmanuel described it as a turning point in leadership and technical development, while attendees said it reshaped their understanding of cybersecurity as practical, relevant, and essential.
The unveiling of CyberTitans positions FUNAAB within a broader national ecosystem of campus-based cybersecurity advocates—where students are not just learners, but frontline defenders of digital safety.
Closing the programme, Prof. Onashoga captured its significance:
“We didn’t just launch a group—we ignited a culture.”
