The Quality Control and Assurance Unit of the Directorate of Academic Planning, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has organised its maiden one-day capacity-building training workshop aimed at sensitising academic staff to enhance quality academic delivery.
The workshop, held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Prof. Olusola Oyewole Lecture Hall, was declared open by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof. Idowu noted that the theme of the workshop underscored the role of universities as engines of knowledge, innovation and national development. He stressed that quality academic delivery remains the foundation of sustainable development within the Nigerian university system, emphasising the importance of relevant curricula, effective teaching strategies and strict adherence to academic integrity.
He further charged that academic programmes must be continuously reviewed to align with national priorities and global realities, while equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills. According to him, teaching, research and community engagement should be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as universities play critical roles in addressing challenges such as food security, climate change, public health, poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth.
In his welcome address, the Head of the Quality Control and Assurance Unit, Prof. Saliu Amolegbe, described the Unit as a key organ of the University responsible for maintaining quality across all operational phases. He recalled that the merger of the Unit with the Directorate of Academic Planning, as directed by the Vice-Chancellor, was intended to strengthen academic performance in compliance with National Universities Commission (NUC) requirements.
Prof. Amolegbe explained that the maiden capacity-building workshop was designed to equip academic staff, particularly newly recruited lecturers, with essential professional competencies, ethical standards and an understanding of FUNAAB’s institutional culture. He expressed appreciation to representatives of colleges, units and centres, as well as members of the planning committee, for their support.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Building a Culture of Quality: Strengthening Institutional Systems for Excellence, Relevance, and Impact in Higher Education,” the Project Officer, Quality Assurance and Accreditation, Association of African Universities (AAU), Accra, Ghana, Prof. Adewale Obadina, described quality as a culture rather than a checklist or documentation exercise. He explained that quality assurance involves systematic evaluation of institutions, facilities and programmes to ensure standards are met, sustained and continuously improved, identifying internal and external quality assurance systems as critical mechanisms. He urged academic staff to uphold professionalism, ethics and continuous self-improvement in teaching, research and service.
During the technical sessions, Prof. Idowu presented a paper on “Ethics of Standard Teaching and Examination Conduct: Imperative for Quality Assurance in the Nigerian University System,” highlighting integrity, fairness and accountability as pillars of credible higher education. He added that in the era of artificial intelligence, ethical principles must be supported with modern technological safeguards to sustain trust and global recognition of academic qualifications.
Another paper titled “Paradigm Shift from Theories to Innovative and Commercialised Research” was delivered by a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo. He outlined opportunities for institutional growth through innovative research, partnerships, exchanges and international collaborations.
The highlight of the workshop was the presentation of an award to the Vice-Chancellor in recognition of his support for quality assurance initiatives in the University.
Dignitaries at the event included the Pioneer Director, Quality Control and Assurance Unit, Prof. Segun Oladoye; Dean, COLPLANT, Prof. Bola Senjobi; Dean, COLAMRUD and Chairman, CODAD, Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya; Deputy Director, Academic Planning, Mr. Johnson Olukehinde; Chairman, TIMTEC, Prof. Pius Dada; as well as members of the academic staff.
