Last Updated on September 24, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As the University Equips Researchers with Strategies for Research Excellence, Impact
By Joy Adeyiga & Wuraola Dada
The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Olawale Dairo, has presented certificates to the 2026 Institutional-Based Research (IBR) awardees, as the University further strengthened their capacity with practical strategies for research excellence, effective project implementation and impactful outcomes.
The presentation formed part of a One-Day Capacity-Building Workshop organised by the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), today, September 22, 2026, to equip the awardees with the knowledge and skills required to effectively plan, implement, manage and complete their research projects, while maximising their outcomes.
The workshop, which had as participants, the 2026 IBR awardees, Professors and relevant University officials, featured sessions on research ethics and conduct, financial accountability, effective project implementation and strategies for maximising research outcomes.
Prof. Dairo, who wore two caps at the event, delivered a presentation titled “Research Conduct and Ethics: Sponsors’ Requirements,” where he identified six key principles guiding researchers at FUNAAB: autonomy and respect, justice, beneficence, fidelity, non-maleficence and academic freedom.
Prof. Dairo stressed the importance of accountability in the management of research funds, noting that funded researchers were expected to maintain dedicated project accounts, ensure restricted use of funds, render proper financial reports and accept personal liability where applicable.
He identified delayed approval, failure to meet quarterly reporting deadlines, mixing project funds with personal or departmental accounts, treating fund retirement as the end of the research process, and making changes to approved research protocols or research teams without notifying the University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) and Institutional Committee on Research (ICR) as major pitfalls capable of undermining research grants.
According to him, adherence to sound research ethics and financial accountability was critical to successful project implementation, adding that compliance with established procedures would enhance researchers’ credibility and contribute to the sustainability of future research funding.
Also speaking on “Maximising Research Outcomes,” Prof. Helen Bodunde explained that research outcomes went beyond data generated during a project to encompass new knowledge, practical applications, measurable changes and policy contributions arising from research.
Prof. Bodunde urged the researchers to establish specific and time-bound objectives, develop detailed work plans, adopt adaptive timelines and ensure effective allocation of available resources. She also identified effective team coordination and risk management as essential components of successful research implementation.
She advised the researchers to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of team members, hold regular meetings to monitor progress and address emerging challenges, while identifying potential risks early enough to develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
Prof. Bodunde further encouraged the researchers to continuously evaluate their outcomes, properly close completed projects and disseminate their findings to relevant stakeholders in order to maximise the impact and wider benefits of their research.
Earlier, the Director, DRIP, Prof. Oluwagbemiga Adeleye, welcomed participants and appreciated the University Management for its support towards strengthening research capacity at FUNAAB.
Prof. Adeleye noted that the workshop was designed to provide the 2026 IBR awardees with practical guidance for the successful execution, management and completion of their research projects.
The programme culminated in the presentation of certificates to the 2026 IBR awardees, while Prof. Adeleye appreciated the University Management, resource persons and participants for their contributions to the success of the workshop.
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