By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Tofunmi Adebayo
Six distinguished Researchers in the University have been presented with the award of the prestigious National Research Fund (NRF) Grants.
The momentous ceremony was held on January 16, 2024 at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room A.
Speaking at the Handing-over Ceremony of Letters of Awards to the recipients, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde gave a brief background of the NRF Award, which led to the success being celebrated in the University.
He expressed immense pride in FUNAAB’s ranking as sixth among the seven top-awarded universities, attributing the achievement to the collective efforts of dedicated Researchers.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the crucial role of integrity in research, urging the beneficiaries to utilise the awarded funds totalling 171 Million Naira with utmost transparency and accountability.
He stressed that the equipment, property, among others purchased by the recipients for the execution of the projects automatically becomes University property upon completion.
He, therefore, appreciated the recipients for the efforts that were put in the application, commending them for giving their best as a result of responsible stewardship.
Photo credit: Gbolahan Lawal
Prof. Kehinde stated that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) established the NRF Awards to promote research in the nation’s ivory towers, noting that FUNAAB got six out of several other applications from 270 universities in Nigeria.
He, however, observed the limited application by FUNAAB due to Science cum Agricultural based status of the University.
The recipients were Prof. Olusegun Folorunso of the Department of Computer Science (CSC), College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS); Prof. Akinola Popoola from the Department of Crop Protection (CPT), College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT); Prof. Ronke Aderinboye of the Department of Animal Nutrition (ANN), College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), and Professor Samuel Olakojo of the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology (PBST) COLPLANT.
Others were Prof. Olafunke Vincent
also from CSC Department, COLPHYS; and Prof. Adebayo Shittu from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management (AEFM), College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD).
Prof. Adebayo Jegede and Dr. Aisha Arowolo represented Prof. Shittu at the event. Their research projects, spanning from robotic systems to climate change and nutritional interventions, represent the cutting edge of academic exploration at FUNAAB.
Highpoint was the presentation of Award Letters, symbolising the official commencement of the groundbreaking research projects.
Meanwhile, the NRF Awards signify a significant milestone for FUNAAB, not only in terms of research funding but also in its unwavering commitment to ethical and responsible conduct in the academic sphere.
As these six Researchers embark on their projects, one can be confident that their work would not only advance knowledge but also serve as a beacon of integrity within the Nigerian research landscape.
