FUNAAB Professor Advocates for Human-Centred Design in Workplaces
Prof. Salami Ismaila of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has advocated for human-centred design in workplaces, emphasizing ergonomics to enhance well-being and productivity.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
A distinguished scholar from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Salami Ismaila, has called for the integration of human-centred design principles in workstations to enhance employee well-being and productivity. Delivering the 92nd Inaugural Lecture at the Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, Prof. Ismaila emphasized the critical role of ergonomics in improving human life and mitigating workplace-related musculoskeletal issues.
Titled “Ergonomics: A Paradigm Shift from FPJ to FJP towards Adopting Human-Centered Engineering,” the lecture highlighted the shift from "Fitting People to Jobs" (FPJ) to "Fitting Jobs to People" (FJP). Prof. Ismaila argued for workplace and tool designs that prioritize human capabilities and limitations, advocating for regular breaks, stretching exercises, and the use of adjustable furniture to support neutral postures.
As a former Dean of the College of Engineering (COLENG), Prof. Ismaila stressed the importance of integrating ergonomics into occupational health and safety policies. He discouraged prolonged sitting in meetings without breaks and suggested incorporating basic ergonomics principles into educational curricula to instill good habits from an early age.
Prof. Ismaila called for collaboration between the government, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to implement measures that optimize workplace designs, equipment, and processes. He also advised educators to follow school timetables strictly and ensure students carry only necessary books to reduce their daily load.
"I have shown that the application of ergonomics makes life pleasant, comfortable, exciting, and cost-effective," Prof. Ismaila stated. "It is important for heads of industries to adopt ergonomics principles to reduce the costs associated with traditional business practices, as good ergonomics is good economics."
The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, who chaired the event, praised Prof. Ismaila for his dedication and practical-oriented scholarship. He acknowledged Prof. Ismaila's significant contributions to the university's growth and research efforts aimed at improving Nigeria’s development.
READ ALSO: FUNAAB Receives Final Report on Mental Health Research Project
