The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has recorded another milestone in Nigeria’s higher education sector following 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 underscores FUNAAB’s contribution to developing accomplished scholars, professionals and university administrators whose expertise and leadership continue to make significant impacts within and beyond the institution.
According to the Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR), FUNAAB, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, the appointment is a source of pride to the University, reflecting the academic excellence, professional competence and administrative experience nurtured at the institution over the years.
He noted that Prof. Ismaila’s emergence as Vice-Chancellor further reinforces FUNAAB’s reputation for producing transformative leaders capable of advancing higher education and institutional development.
Before joining FUNAAB in 2007, Prof. Ismaila had acquired approximately 15 years of private-sector experience in technical purchasing, equipment maintenance, project management and corporate leadership.
During his time at Beta Industries, a member of the Leventis Group, he revived a production press that had remained idle for two years. He subsequently rose to become General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Trans Wonderland Nigeria PLC, where he expanded the company’s revenue opportunities.
Mr. Olajide explained 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.
At FUNAAB, Prof. Ismaila progressed from Lecturer I in 2007 to Professor in 2016, serving in several strategic positions, including Head of the Mechanical Unit at the Directorate of Works and 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 contributed to engineering education through international academic engagements at the University of Ibadan, the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana and Marwadi University, Rajkot, India.
His scholarly achievements include delivering FUNAAB’s 92nd Inaugural Lecture in 2024 and publishing Engineers in Society: With Guidelines to Registration as an Engineer in 2025. He has also supervised numerous postgraduate students and served as a reviewer, editor and external examiner for various academic institutions.
Mr. Olajide further highlighted Prof. Ismaila’s contributions to the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), where he held several leadership positions at the Ibadan Branch and served on the Society’s National Council, further demonstrating his commitment to professional development and engineering practice.
The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, congratulated Prof. Ismaila on his appointment, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of his dedication to scholarship, professional excellence and university administration.
Prof. Kehinde expressed confidence that the new Vice-Chancellor’s blend of industrial experience, academic accomplishments and institutional leadership would contribute significantly to the growth and development of Abdulfattah Durojaiye University.
He added that the appointment reflects positively on FUNAAB’s commitment to developing outstanding scholars and administrators who contribute meaningfully to national development.
The FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor wished Prof. Ismaila a successful and impactful tenure, expressing confidence in his ability to advance the vision and aspirations of his new institution.
