FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor Urges New Academic Staff to Prioritise Innovation and Integrity

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Babatunde Kehinde, has tasked newly appointed academic staff to embrace innovation, uphold integrity, and recognise time as a critical asset for career advancement.

The directive was delivered during a one-day workshop organised by the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP) for new academic staff, themed “Experimentation to Commercialisation: 21st Century Grant Writing Techniques.” The programme aimed to equip participants with contemporary research skills and strategies for securing grants.

Professor Kehinde congratulated the new staff on their appointments, urging them to familiarise themselves with university rules and consistently consider how their contributions could advance FUNAAB’s global standing. He emphasised alignment with the institution’s mission and vision while maintaining the legacies of the University’s founders through diligence, humility, and professional integrity.

In his remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor Olawale Dairo, stressed the importance of adherence to institutional guidelines and ethical frameworks. He highlighted that the workshop was designed to clarify university culture and expectations, noting that management prioritises academic excellence, integrity, and compliance with institutional values.

The Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi, reminded participants that ignorance of university policies would not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance and urged them to actively engage with the workshop content.

Ag. Director of DRIP, Dr. Oluwagbemiga Adeleye, highlighted the increasing commercialisation of research in the 21st century and the expectation for academic staff to attract research grants and generate revenue through innovative projects. He encouraged new lecturers to pursue collaborative research and build networks within the University.

Prof. Kayode Bamgbose advised resilience amid economic challenges and recommended collaboration with experienced researchers to enhance productivity and professional growth.

The workshop featured presentations from seasoned academics, including former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo on “Experimentation to Commercialisation: 21st Century Grant Writing Techniques,” Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu on “Conceptualising an Innovation Study,” and Dr. Adeleye on “Different Windows and Opportunities for Researchers in FUNAAB.”