FUNAAB Professor Salami Ismaila Appointed Vice-Chancellor of Abdulfattah Durojaiye University

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has announced the appointment of Professor Salami Olasunkanmi Ismaila, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and former Dean of its College of Engineering (COLENG), as Vice-Chancellor of Abdulfattah Durojaiye University (ADUA), Ogun State.

The appointment highlights FUNAAB’s contribution to Nigeria’s higher education sector through the development of scholars and administrators who have continued to make significant contributions to academia and professional practice.

According to the Acting Head of FUNAAB’s Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, the appointment reflects the academic excellence, professional competence and administrative experience cultivated at the University. He added that Professor Ismaila’s emergence as Vice-Chancellor further reinforces FUNAAB’s reputation for producing leaders in higher education.

Before joining FUNAAB in 2007, Professor Ismaila spent approximately 15 years in the private sector, gaining experience in technical purchasing, equipment maintenance, project management and corporate leadership. At Beta Industries, a member of the Leventis Group, he revived a production press that had been inactive for two years. He later became General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Trans Wonderland Nigeria PLC, where he expanded the company’s revenue opportunities.

His academic journey began at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. He subsequently earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; a Master’s degree in Industrial and Production Engineering from the University of Ibadan; and a doctorate in Industrial Engineering, specialising in Ergonomics.

At FUNAAB, Professor Ismaila progressed from Lecturer I in 2007 to Professor in 2016. He has held several strategic positions, including Head of the Mechanical Unit at the Directorate of Works and Services, Postgraduate Coordinator, Deputy Dean, Director of the Bureau of Transportation and Dean of the College of Engineering.

He has also participated in international academic engagements involving the University of Ibadan, the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa, Ghana, and Marwadi University in Rajkot, India, contributing to engineering education and institutional governance.

His scholarly achievements include delivering FUNAAB’s 92nd Inaugural Lecture in 2024 and publishing the book Engineers in Society: With Guidelines to Registration as an Engineer in 2025. He has supervised numerous postgraduate students and served as a reviewer, editor and external examiner for several academic institutions.

Professor Ismaila has also contributed to the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), holding various leadership positions at its Ibadan Branch and serving on the Society’s National Council.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, congratulated Professor Ismaila on the appointment, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of his dedication to scholarship, professional excellence and university administration.

Professor Kehinde expressed confidence that his combination of industrial experience, academic achievements and institutional leadership would contribute significantly to the growth and development of Abdulfattah Durojaiye University.

He added that the appointment reflects positively on FUNAAB’s commitment to developing outstanding scholars and administrators who contribute to national development. He wished Professor Ismaila a successful and impactful tenure, expressing confidence in his ability to advance the vision and aspirations of his new institution.