Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has recorded another milestone in its contribution to Nigeria’s higher education sector with the appointment of Prof. Salami Olasunkanmi Ismaila, a distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and former Dean of the College of Engineering (COLENG), as Vice-Chancellor of Abdulfattah Durojaiye University (ADUA), Ogun State.
The appointment highlighted FUNAAB’s enduring commitment to producing accomplished scholars, professionals and university administrators whose expertise and leadership have continued to make meaningful impacts within and beyond the institution.
According to the Ag. Head, Directorate of Public Relations (DPR), FUNAAB, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, the appointment is a source of immense pride to the University, reflecting the quality of academic talent, professional competence and administrative experience nurtured at the institution over the years. He noted that Prof. Ismaila’s emergence as Vice-Chancellor has further reinforced FUNAAB’s reputation as a breeding ground for transformative leaders in higher education.
Before joining FUNAAB in 2007, Prof. Ismaila had accumulated approximately 15 years of private-sector 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 idle for two years before rising to become General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Trans Wonderland Nigeria PLC, where he expanded the company’s revenue opportunities.
Mr. Olajide stated that Prof. Ismaila’s academic journey began at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, before he obtained 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.
He added that Prof. Ismaila progressed from Lecturer I in 2007 to Professor in 2016 at FUNAAB, serving in several strategic positions, including Head of the Mechanical Unit at the Directorate of Works & Services, Postgraduate Coordinator, Deputy Dean, Director of the Bureau of Transportation and Dean of the College of Engineering.
According to Mr. Olajide, the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor has also distinguished himself through international academic engagements at the University of Ibadan, the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana, and Marwadi University, Rajkot, India, while contributing significantly to Engineering education and institutional governance.
He further noted that Prof. Ismaila’s scholarly accomplishments included delivering FUNAAB’s 92nd Inaugural Lecture in 2024, publishing Engineers in Society: With Guidelines to Registration as an Engineer in 2025, supervising numerous postgraduate students, and serving as a reviewer, editor and external examiner for several academic institutions.
Mr. Olajide also highlighted Prof. Ismaila’s exemplary service to the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), where he held various leadership positions at the Ibadan Branch and served on the Society’s National Council, further strengthening his professional credentials.
The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has congratulated Prof. Ismaila on his appointment, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of his dedication to scholarship, professional excellence and university administration. He expressed confidence that the new Vice-Chancellor’s combination of industrial experience, academic accomplishments and institutional leadership would contribute significantly to the growth and development of Abdulfattah Durojaiye University.
Prof. Kehinde further noted that the appointment has reflected positively on FUNAAB’s commitment to developing outstanding scholars and administrators who continue to contribute meaningfully to national development. He wished Prof. Ismaila a successful and impactful tenure, expressing confidence in his capacity to advance the vision and aspirations of his new institution.
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