Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, has launched its inaugural Faculty Innovation Institute in partnership with Kent State University, United States, to strengthen innovative teaching, research productivity, academic mentorship and international collaboration.
The virtual opening ceremony and participant orientation, held recently, brought together University Leaders, International Partners, Facilitators, and 30 selected Academic Staff drawn from 21 Departments across the University’s six Colleges.
Declaring the training open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Ekundayo Oladipo, MNPA, CMCPN, MCAN, FIELPN, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Academic Staff Development and Institutional Transformation.
He emphasised that sustained Professional Development was essential to improving teaching quality, strengthening Research Capacity and preparing graduates for an increasingly dynamic, technology-driven world.
According to him, the Institute reflects the University’s commitment to building a culture of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous improvement in teaching, research, mentorship and supervision.
In her opening remarks, the Director, Directorate of Research and External Relations (DRER), Prof. Adefunke Ekine, highlighted the importance of faculty development and strategic partnerships in advancing institutional growth and academic excellence.
Representing Kent State University, Dr M. Amanda Johnson, Director, Gerald H. Read Centre for International and Intercultural Education, reaffirmed the value of the partnership in promoting international knowledge exchange, professional learning and innovative academic practices.
She highlighted the Institute’s potential to strengthen faculty capacity and create opportunities for collaborative approaches to teaching, mentorship and scholarship.
An overview of the programme was presented by Dr. Adewale Kayode, a Fulbright TEA Fellow and facilitator, who outlined the Institute’s objectives, structure, learning expectations and anticipated outcomes. He encouraged participants to engage actively in the programme and apply the knowledge acquired to their respective academic environments.
Other facilitators are Prof. Caroline Obiageli Emeka-Ogbonna and Mr Olalekan Adeeko, whose expertise will contribute to the programme’s focus on professional development and improved academic practice.
The participant orientation, coordinated by the Deputy Director, Directorate of Research and External Relations, Prof. N. A. Lawal, featured introductions and interactive engagement designed to foster interdisciplinary relationships and establish a collaborative learning environment.
The Institute’s vision aligns with TASFUED’s S.T.A.R.-W.I.N. Strategic Agenda (2026–2031), particularly its priorities on technology and digital campus development, academic excellence and innovation, research productivity and global ranking, and national, alumni and international relations.
The in-person training is expected to be held at the University from Tuesday, 27th October, to Friday, 30th October, 2026. The sessions will feature practical and collaborative activities aimed at translating new knowledge into measurable improvements in teaching, student engagement, research, mentorship and departmental practices.
Prof. Oladipo expressed his appreciation to Kent State University, the facilitators, the Directorate of Research and External Relations, and the planning and support teams for their contributions to the initiative. He also commended the 30-member inaugural cohort for their enthusiasm and commitment to professional growth.
He charged the participants to approach the forthcoming training with intellectual curiosity and a determination to translate their learning into practical outcomes, noting that the Institute’s success would ultimately be measured by its impact on academic practice and institutional performance.
The Faculty Innovation Institute marks a significant step in TASFUED’s efforts to strengthen its academic workforce, deepen international partnerships and advance its ambition to become a leading institution of education in Nigeria and beyond.