Last Updated on April 22, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Raymond Osemene
A two-day capacity-building training programme designed to equip early-career scientists and postgraduate students with essential skills for research development and career advancement has commenced at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
The training, which began today, April 15, 2026, was funded by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). The programme has attracted a diverse group of participants and seasoned facilitators, all focused on strengthening competencies in securing research funding and managing grants effectively.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Dean, Postgraduate School, Prof. Olusiji Sowande, stated that the initiative was timely in view of the evolving global academic landscape. He noted that the ability to attract external funding has become essential for achieving global relevance, fostering innovation, and driving impactful research.
He also commended the University’s longstanding partnership with the ACU, acknowledging its continued support in enhancing research capacity across member institutions. According to him, the training was structured to provide practical skills in identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive grant proposals, and effectively managing grants.
The Vice-Chancellor urged participants to apply the knowledge gained towards securing grants that would advance groundbreaking research, improve institutional infrastructure, and strengthen academic facilities.
Earlier in her Welcome Address, the Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), Prof. Adebukunola Omemu, appreciated participants for their commitment and noted that FUNAAB’s affiliation with the ACU enabled it to secure the training grant through a highly competitive process. She said the initiative reflects the University’s dedication to research capacity building and professional development.
Prof. Omemu added that the programme was designed not only to support academic growth but also to broaden participants’ perspectives on career opportunities beyond the PhD level, stressing that a Doctoral Degree does not limit individuals to a single career path.
She further disclosed that the programme recorded an overwhelming response, with over 100 applications received within five days of opening the portal and a total of 227 applications within ten days. Following a rigorous selection process, 79 participants were chosen based on established criteria.
Participants were drawn from 29 institutions within and outside Nigeria, including countries such as South Africa, Norway, Malaysia, and India.
The training featured technical sessions on “Career Development and Beyond Academia” on the first day, while “Grant Writing Mastery” would be the focus of the second day, as participants continue to gain valuable insights into advancing their academic and research careers.
