FUNAAB’S PIPELINE OF LEADERS: PROF. ISMAILA, THE ENGINEER WHO REVIVED A PRESS, TAKES OVER AS VC, ADUA

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has recorded another milestone in its contribution to Nigeria’s higher education sector.

This comes 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 highlights 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.

THE APPOINTMENT

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.

THE MAN AND HIS JOURNEY

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.

His 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 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.

A SCHOLAR AND A LEADER

Prof. Ismaila 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.

His scholarly accomplishments include 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.

He has also served the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in various leadership positions at the Ibadan Branch and on the Society’s National Council.

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A GROWING LIST

Prof. Ismaila joins a growing list of FUNAAB employees who have gone on to become Vice-Chancellors, Bursars, Librarians and other principal officers in other institutions.

His appointment adds to the university’s reputation as a pipeline for leadership in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

THE VC’S CONGRATULATIONS

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.

WHY IT MATTERS

Prof. Ismaila’s appointment is a testament to the quality of talent that FUNAAB has nurtured over the years.

He is not merely an academic. He is an engineer who spent 15 years in the private sector, revived a dormant production press, and ran a company as CEO. He brought that experience to the classroom and to university administration.

His appointment signals that Nigerian universities can produce leaders who are equipped to lead other institutions. It also reinforces FUNAAB’s role as a source of academic leadership for the nation.

ValidViewNetwork congratulates Prof. Ismaila on his appointment and wishes him a successful tenure.