FUNAAB Trains Researchers on Ethics, Responsible Research Practices

The Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), in collaboration with the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has organised a workshop on Research Ethics and Policy aimed at strengthening ethical compliance and promoting responsible research practices among the university's academics and researchers.

The workshop, held on July 9, 2026, focused on enhancing participants' understanding of research ethics, institutional policies and international best practices governing responsible research.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, the Director of AMREC, Professor Jacob Olaoye, described research as a core responsibility of every academic, stressing that its true value lies in its relevance and positive impact on society.

He urged researchers to uphold honesty, professionalism and accountability while adhering strictly to ethical guidelines and institutional regulations.

Professor Olaoye also warned against unethical practices such as data fabrication, falsification and the misuse of research grants, noting that such misconduct undermines the credibility of research findings and erodes public confidence in scholarship.

Speaking in his capacity as Director of AMREC, he described the workshop as timely and strategic, saying it would deepen researchers' understanding of ethical principles, regulatory frameworks and responsible research practices.

Delivering the keynote lecture titled "Research Ethics Today," Professor Isaac Aiyelagbe explained that research ethics comprises internationally accepted principles that guide responsible scientific conduct.

He noted that ethical approval is mandatory for studies involving human participants, hazardous substances, genetic engineering and environmentally sensitive activities, while cautioning researchers against data fabrication, falsification and manipulation of research findings.

Presenting a paper titled "Presentation of FUNAAB Research Ethics Policy," the Director of IFSERAR, Professor Kazeem Bello, stressed that every research project must safeguard the dignity, rights and welfare of research participants.

He explained that the workshop formed part of a step-down training initiative designed to extend research ethics knowledge previously acquired by deans and directors to a broader community of researchers across the university.

Professor Bello further emphasised the importance of integrity in data collection, analysis, methodology, reporting and scientific publications, warning that poor research practices and inaccurate data could significantly damage the credibility and global acceptance of research findings.

Former Director of IFSERAR, Professor Bamidele Oluwatosin, delivered a presentation on "Manuscript Evaluation Template for Ethical Approval," where he highlighted the evolution of ethical compliance from a simple certification process to a comprehensive framework that covers the entire research lifecycle, including data management, publication and dissemination of findings.

Also speaking, former Director of AMREC, Professor Victor Olowe, urged researchers to prioritise studies that address pressing societal challenges, particularly in agriculture, rather than pursuing research solely for publications or career advancement.

He encouraged participants to focus on developing practical and affordable innovations capable of improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and influencing public policy.

The workshop reinforced FUNAAB's commitment to promoting integrity, transparency and excellence in research while equipping participants with practical knowledge to conduct ethically compliant and globally competitive research.