UK-Based Civil Engineer Offers Voluntary Service To FUNAAB

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has once again attracted international goodwill as a UK-based Civil Engineer, Dr. Israel Osofero, expressed his readiness to offer voluntary academic services to the University.

Dr. Osofero, currently based in the United Kingdom, made this known during a Courtesy Visit to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi. The visit was led by the Ag. Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Funmilayo Alayaki, and was aimed at formally introducing the proposal for volunteer service.

Dr. Alayaki explained that Dr. Osofero was offering to support the Department and the University through teaching and other academic engagements, either virtually or physically, on a purely voluntary basis. She stated that while Dr. Osofero was not requesting remuneration, he may seek limited support for travel expenses when required to be physically present.

In his response, Prof. Akinyemi, who spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, lauded the noble gesture of Dr. Osofero and expressed delight at the potential academic value the initiative would bring. He affirmed the University’s openness to such collaborations, adding that the academic engagement could commence virtually.

He advised that a formal request for the volunteer engagement be submitted by the Ag. Head of Department through his office to the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate for necessary approval. He further recommended that Dr. Osofero’s detailed proposal be attached to the memo to facilitate due consideration and approval for the programme to commence in the 2025/2026 Academic Session.

Also speaking, the Head of the University’s Quality Assurance Unit, Prof. Saliu Amolegbe, described the initiative as a commendable contribution to the University’s academic advancement. He further encouraged Dr. Osofero to consider facilitating postgraduate opportunities abroad for outstanding students of the University as the partnership grows.

Responding, Dr. Osofero affirmed his willingness to explore possibilities for research collaborations and academic advancement opportunities, especially at the postgraduate level, as the relationship with FUNAAB matures.

Dignitaries present at the meeting included the Director, Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Mutiu Busari and another UK-based Civil Engineer, Dr. Suhaib Arogundade, among others.