The Postgraduate School of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), on May 25, 2026, held its maiden Conference aimed at promoting academic excellence, innovation, and impactful research within the University Community.
The conference, themed “Showcasing Research Excellence at FUNAAB,” took place at the Postgraduate School Auditorium and was sponsored by the Royal Statistical Society. The event attracted Postgraduate students, researchers, and scholars from various disciplines.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, described the conference as a historic milestone in the academic journey of the University. According to him, the conference, being the first of its kind in FUNAAB’s history, reflected the University’s commitment to strengthening research culture, innovation, and academic development. He stated that the initiative underscored FUNAAB’s determination to nurture excellence, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and align research outputs with national and global development priorities.
The Vice-Chancellor further expressed optimism that the conference would not only be sustained but would continue to expand in scope, quality, and impact in subsequent editions. He also commended the leadership of the Postgraduate School for the successful organisation of the event, describing it as a reflection of dedication, vision, and hard work.
Speaking also at the event, the Country Representative of the Royal Statistical Society, Prof. Olaniyi Olayiwola, lauded the Vice-Chancellor for his support and welcomed participants for their commitment to advancing knowledge and professional development.
He noted that the conference provided a platform for intellectual engagement, networking, and the exchange of innovative ideas capable of driving positive societal transformation. Prof. Olayiwola, who also serves as the Deputy Dean, Postgraduate School, encouraged students and young researchers to maximise the opportunities offered by the conference by building meaningful professional relationships, showcasing their talents, and strengthening their academic identities.
He stressed that regardless of discipline, whether agriculture, engineering, health sciences, or social sciences, belonging to a professional community remained essential for personal growth, skill development, and career advancement. “Do not isolate yourself. Engage actively with professionals and researchers within your field, as such relationships can open doors to greater opportunities,” he advised.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Dean, Postgraduate School, Prof. Olusiji Sowande, described the conference as a deliberate effort to bring the outstanding research contributions of postgraduate students into the spotlight. According to him, valuable research conducted by Postgraduate students had for years remained largely unnoticed within academic circles, thereby creating the need for a platform that would showcase the quality, relevance, and impact of research outputs emerging from the University.
Prof. Sowande explained that the initiative was not only about celebrating academic achievements but also about giving Postgraduate students a voice, recognising the efforts of supervisors, and demonstrating the University’s commitment to producing knowledge capable of contributing meaningfully to national and global development. He also acknowledged the support of the Royal Statistical Society for sponsoring the conference and strengthening research capacity and data-driven scholarship within the University Community.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Mastering the Research Journey: Thesis Writing, Manuscript Preparations, and Academic Collaboration,” the Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), Prof. Adebukunola Omemu, stated that experience shaped her understanding of perseverance, emphasising that academic success was not always determined by speed but by the determination to remain committed despite challenges. “Research will stretch you before it establishes you,” she told the students, while encouraging them not to abandon their academic pursuits during difficult moments.
Prof. Omemu further described research as a process that goes beyond thesis writing, explaining that it involves asking important questions, solving problems systematically, thinking critically, and communicating knowledge effectively. She emphasised the need for Postgraduate students to undergo a “mind shift” from merely consuming knowledge at the undergraduate level to contributing new knowledge through research.
The keynote speaker also stressed the importance of continuous writing, urging students to consistently document observations, reflections, interpretations, and methodological drafts throughout their research journey. On thesis writing, she described a thesis as an original contribution to knowledge rather than a mere compilation of existing literature, adding that every strong thesis must be grounded in existing scholarship, focused on a clearly defined research problem, and supported by credible evidence.
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