Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… Charges Academics to Improve Teaching, Learning, Research
By Joy Adeyiga, David Johnson & Joy Olabanji
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has charged Academic staff of the College of Engineering (COLENG) to embrace transformational leadership to improve teaching and learning, strengthen research, and expand the University’s impact locally and globally.
Prof. Kehinde gave the charge in a message delivered by the Dean of COLENG, Prof. Adedayo Badejo, at the College’s Research and Leadership Seminar/Workshop Series held today, October 21, 2026, at the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Engineering Building, FUNAAB. The seminar was themed “Transformational Leadership in Academia: Moving from Manager to Visionary Leader.”
The Vice-Chancellor appreciated COLENG for organising the seminar and commended the resource person, Prof. Ololade Enikuomehin, for contributing to academic leadership development. He emphasised the importance of applying the knowledge gained to strengthen the University’s teaching, learning and research responsibilities and generate meaningful impact beyond its immediate community.
Prof. Kehinde urged participants to engage actively in the training and translate its lessons into practical results that would advance the College and the University.
Speaking in his capacity as Dean, Prof. Badejo described the seminar as timely, noting that COLENG had produced atleast three Vice-Chancellors and Deputy Vice-Chancellors. He called for collaborative leadership in academia, stressing that institutional growth required leaders and staff to work collectively towards shared goals.
He further observed that staff members’ influence extended beyond their official responsibilities, as they also guided students and shaped their conduct through personal example. He, therefore, encouraged participants to lead by example, promote professional development and contribute to a positive institutional legacy.
The resource person, Prof. Enikuomehin, a former Ag. Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, described the seminar as a wake-up call for improved service delivery and effective leadership within the Nigerian University System.
He defined leadership as the art of influencing people to achieve set goals, explaining that transformational leadership went beyond routine management to inspire individuals, broaden their interests and foster positive relationships between leaders and their staff.
Prof. Enikuomehin highlighted individual development, staff motivation and constructive professional relationships as essential elements of transformational leadership. He also advocated credible mentorship mechanisms to strengthen staff capacity, encourage professional growth and enhance institutional effectiveness.
He concluded by emphasising the need to improve the teaching and learning environment, noting that a supportive academic atmosphere was crucial to better staff performance and sustainable institutional development.
The highlight of the seminar was the presentation of an award to Prof. Enikuomehin. The event also featured an interactive question-and-answer session and group photographs.
#SDG4, #SDG8, #SDG9
