FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 20 March 2024
PRS: MUT’s Engineering Faculty dean earns C2 NRF rating
The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Babatunde Femi Bakare, was granted a C2 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF) on 1 March 2024. This great news was delivered to Professor Bakare by the Director of the Research directorate, Dr Anette Mienie. C2 rating means that all the reviewers are firmly convinced that the applicant is an established researcher as described. The applicant may, but need not, enjoy some international recognition for the quality and impact of their recent research output. Professor Bakare’s request for the new rating was based on the last five years of his academic activities.
The NRF’s decision about Professor Bakare was based on his academic contribution in the last five years, which the period that the Foundation considers when adjudicating applications’ rating applications. Professor Bakare articulates this eloquently: “My research career in the last five years has resulted in 52 DHET-accredited Journal Publications, 15 Conference peer-reviewed publications, three book chapters, supervised four PhDs and five Masters candidates to degree completion; of the PhDs I supervised to degree completion, three are academic staff members in the Department of Chemical Engineering; and of the Masters I supervised, four are academic staff in the same department,” said Professor Bakare. Professor Bakare also said he was presently supervising two academic staff for their PhDs, and one for a Master’s degree. Over the same period, Professor Bakare has also received funds from NRF and WRC that were used to support my research endeavour. “I have also been appointed as an editorial board member of the following reputable and accredited journals: Journal of Engineering, Design, and Technology; Frontiers in Environmental Sciences; Springer Nature Journal “Discover Sustainability”; International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology; and South African Journal of Chemical Engineering.
Responding to the news, Professor Bakare said he was “incredibly grateful and honoured” to receive the “prestigious” C2 rating from the NRF. “This recognition is incredibly meaningful and serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication poured into my research endeavours,” said Professor Bakare.
Professor Bakare said receiving a C2 rating underscored the significance and impact of his research contributions made thus far. “It validates the innovative approaches and methodologies employed in tackling complex issues within my field of expertise. Moreover, it serves as motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge and making meaningful contributions to the scientific community and society at large, said Professor Bakare. Professor Bakare said he was indebted to the “invaluable” support and guidance from his colleagues, mentors, and collaborators throughout his journey. He said his colleagues’ unwavering encouragement and expertise have been instrumental in him achieving this milestone.
An excited Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (RIE), Professor Nokuthula Sibiya congratulated Professor Bakare, and said Professor Bakare deserved the new NRF rating. “I wish to express immense pride and congratulations to Professor Bakare for the C2 rating by the NRF. Professor Bakare’s achievement not only highlights the exceptional talent within South Africa, but also underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering scientific excellence and becoming a leader in the field of Chemical Engineering.” Professor Sibiya further stated that Professor Bakare has won numerous awards over the years for his research work. Professor Sibiya’s direct message to Professor Bakare was: “Congratulations on not just reaching your goals but doing what you once thought was impossible. If anyone deserves to celebrate this kind of achievement, it is you. Well done!”
More about Professor Bakare
Prof. BF Bakare
Acting Dean: Faculty of Engineering
Head – Environmental Pollution and Remediation Research Group,
Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban South Africa.
KZN Region Chairperson, South African Institution of Chemical Engineers
Board Member South African Higher Education Community Engagement Forum
Editor South African Journal of Chemical Engineering
Editorial Advisory Board Member: Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
Editorial Board Member: Frontiers in Environmental Science
Associate Editor: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
Associate Editor: Springer Nature Journal “Discover Sustainability”
For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact MUT Media Liaison Officer, Bheki Hlophe +27 82 432 1805 or via email hlophe@mut.ac.za
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About Mangosuthu University of Technology
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is a leading institution of higher learning in South Africa, renowned for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and innovation. Located in a township, MUT has extended its global reach through strategic partnerships and collaborations. The university is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility, empowering its graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities and society as a whole.