By Emeka Oluka & Joy Adeyiga
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) recently organised a Workshop focused on promoting best standard ethical work practices for its Deans and Directors of Academic Centres.
Held on June 27, 2024, in the Conference Room of the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), the event centered on the University’s “Work Ethics” and the newly approved research policy.
In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde stated that “Policy is key in the lifetime of any university, not just any policy but research policy, because it is the life of any university that wants to function well and embrace standard ethical practices.”
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that ethical clearance was mandatory for securing research funds, as it would ensure the quality and integrity of research.
He warned against the consequences of unethical research practices, citing examples of universities facing lawsuits and losing research funds due to poor ethical standards.
According to him, the sanity at FUNAAB were the efforts of elders who laid down the right principles and ensured that these principles were followed.
Prof. Kehinde, therefore, credited the success of FUNAAB’s ethical framework to the diligent efforts of founding fathers, even as he appreciated Prof. Isaac Aiyelagbe for successfully organising the Workshop.
Prof. Aiyelagbe, Chairman of the University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) and also the Organising Committee Chairman for the Workshop, explained that the Workshop’s goal was to formulate a robust and effective research policy.
In his presentation titled “FUNAAB Research Ethics Policy: Perspective and Implementation,” he underscored the need for caution in policy-making to avoid jeopardising the University’s future and wasting years of hard work.
According to him, the University is being cautious so as not to make any wrong policy that might jeopardise the future and make years of hard work go down the drain because of one wrong move.
Also, the Director, Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Mutiu Busari presented a PowerPoint slide, titled “Manuscript Evaluation Template for Ethical Approval.”
Participants were encouraged to actively contribute to the policy development process, ensuring that FUNAAB continues to uphold high ethical standards in its research endeavours.
