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10 March 2022 | Story Olivia Kunguma | Photo Supplied
Prof Abiodun Ogundeji  new director of DiMTEC
The new Director of the UFS Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, Prof Abiodun Oguneji.

The University of the Free State – Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (UFS-DiMTEC) welcomes the new permanent Director, Prof Abiodun Ogundeji.  

The Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, fondly known as ‘DiMTEC’, was established in 2000. Since then, the centre has been headed by Prof Andries Jordaan, who has created an impressive and expansive disaster risk management footprint in Africa and beyond for more than 17 years. Prof Jordaan retired in 2017, leaving the centre with huge shoes to fill. After several listings of the vacant position, a substantial appointment was only made in 2022 in Prof Abiodun Ogundeji as the new Director of DiMTEC. He will assume his new post on 1 March.

Extensive experience

Prof Ogundeji is an astute and versatile applied economist and National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researcher. He obtained his PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of the Free State. Before joining DiMTEC as Director, he was a guest lecturer presenting classes on the economic impact assessment of disasters and the management of floods. Prof Ogundeji was also Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, where he presented classes and supervised master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral candidates.  

“As a researcher, I work with international and local organisations, leading most of the projects as principal investigator.  One of my greatest collaborations was when I was a research fellow at the social protection department of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO); I believe the experience I gained from this association contributed to my career growth,” said Prof Ogundeji.

He has published 49 articles in peer-reviewed journals, delivered several conference presentations, supervised 14 master’s candidates, and promoted five PhD candidates in Agricultural Economics and Disaster Risk Management.
Prof Ogundeji's current research focuses on projects aimed at assisting farmers to adapt to extreme climate events, thereby ensuring food security. He recently completed a project as principal investigator, titled 'Development of scenarios for future agricultural water use in South Africa', sponsored by the Water Research Commission of South Africa. 

Prof Ogundeji has strong economic research and analytical skills, and a strong pedigree in econometrics, development and environmental economics, economic and socio-economic analysis. He has received awards for his research efforts at both national and international conferences.

“The faculty welcomes Prof Ogundeji as the new Director of DIMTEC. As an established, rated researcher, and with the vision that he presented during the interview, we are of the opinion that the centre is in excellent hands and that he will take it to new heights. As an agricultural economist, he replaces the previous director who was also an agricultural economist, filling the void created with the retirement of Prof Jordaan. He is familiar with the operational procedures of the centre, as he has been involved in the teaching of a module for several years. We therefore trust that the transition to a new management will be smooth,” said Prof Danie Vermeulen, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

“During my term of office, I had the privilege of working with Prof Ogundeji from as early as the time when he completed his master’s until he became a lecturer in one of the centre’s modules. I have seen him grow, and to date, we have partnered in several research projects. I am really happy about his appointment; academically it will bring a good balance between quantitative and qualitative focus in research. Most scientists in DiMTEC are mainly focusing on qualitative work, and Prof Ogundeji is excellent in quantitative research. He will continue where I left off as an agricultural economist and will bring back a good balance between economic impacts and disaster risk assessments. He has been lecturing with me for more than 15 years in Disaster Risk Assessments, which is a big module in the centre. He is very experienced and will be an excellent asset to the centre. I have no doubt that his appointment will move the centre to greater heights,” said Prof Jordaan.

One of UFS-DiMTEC’s long-serving Associate Professors from the United Nations University in Bonn, Prof Joerg Szarzynski, said “The United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) congratulates Prof Ogundeji on his appointment as the new Director of DiMTEC! We are indeed looking forward to yet another decade of very fruitful collaboration between our institutes and all colleagues and friends involved.”

The long-term vision for disaster studies and research 

In response to his appointment and to shed more light on his vision for UFS-DiMTEC and the disaster management fraternity as a whole, Prof Ogundeji said, “It’s time for DiMTEC to take its position as the leading centre for disaster management and training in Africa, and as the gateway to Africa for other international organisations wanting to do research in Africa. I believe we have the personnel, passion, ability, and experience to serve the various stakeholders in South Africa and the international community.” 

News Archive

Cultivating excellence and success through academics
2011-10-07

 

Unlocking potential. At the Golden Key South African Summit 2011 were, from the left: Dr Derek Swemmer, Registrar (UFS); Prof. Driekie Hay, Vice-Rector: Academic; Mr Ryk Neethling and Ms Charlene Gunter, Director: Golden Key International Honour Society, South Africa.
Photo: Phelekwa Mpono

More than 130 delegates are gathering for the Golden Key, South African Summit at the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS). Golden Key International Honour Society recognises academic excellence and uses knowledge to transform lives. It has 400 chapters in eight countries. Of South Africa’s 12 chapters, 11 were present at the summit.

Prof. Driekie Hay, Vice-Rector: Academic at the UFS, welcomed delegates from the respective chapters. She commended them for their perseverance and dedication to excel. “Your academic aspirations and commitment contribute to cultivating a culture of excellence. It will provide a better future for every South African citizen,” she said. Prof. Hay challenged delegates also to “act” by turning their knowledge into actions to advance not only themselves but also society. She also urged them to “discover” everything about themselves, their chosen disciplines, allies and oppositions. “Mostly, you must internalise the spirit of lifelong learning,” she said.

Mr Ryk Neethling, Olympic gold medallist and businessman, was the first keynote speaker. He took everyone through the steps that ultimately led to the moment of victory for him and his team. “We found a way to compete with heart and determination in the 2004 Olympic Games. We were prepared and we took everyone by surprise. “To achieve what one has set one’s mind to, we must dream big,” he said. “Play your part in the team and be confident. Remember that you are victors and not victims,” he urged. He further emphasised the importance of making one’s own luck and, most of all, never to give up.

Another speaker for the summit includes Ms Peggy-Sue Khumalo, former Miss South Africa. Dr Derek Swemmer, Registrar (UFS) will present a workshop on Strategic Action Planning.

This event is the first external lecture that is presented in the Metro’s found in the new Health Sciences Building on the Bloemfontein Campus of the UFS.
 

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