…back consensus, urge Aiyedatiwa to consult widely

… applaud BTO over sustained support 

Notable leaders and elders of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State have warned against the imposition of unpopular candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to carry out wide consultations before decisions are taken.

The elders, under the aegis of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, said adopting a consensus approach would help prevent internal crisis, foster unity and improve the party’s electoral chances.

Speaking at a press conference in Akure on Wednesday, the forum’s facilitator, Hon. Demola Ijabiyi, said while the APC remained committed to internal democracy, consensus arrangements had historically helped the party avoid rancorous primaries.

He advised the governor to engage stakeholders at ward, local government and state levels, as well as aspirants, to build trust and ensure inclusiveness in the candidate selection process.

“As elders, we are neutral. We don’t promote or sponsor candidates. We are for everybody. The President gave the governors the nod to play a major role in the emergence of the candidates.

“A wise governor will consult widely before taking any decision. We expect that our governor will consult widely. If there is any crisis after the process, the elders will call all the gladiators and intervene to resolve it,” he said.

Ijabiyi said the elders would step in to mediate disputes arising from the process, stressing that the party must avoid actions capable of dividing members before the elections.

He also disclosed that the forum had introduced a health outreach programme for the elders, providing regular medical screenings such as blood pressure and blood sugar checks, as well as follow-up support for common age-related conditions, through the assistance of qualified medical personnel.

According to him, no fewer than 3,000 elders have so far benefited from the initiative which was aimed at promoting healthy ageing among members.

The group also endorsed the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, urging the APC to adopt him as its sole presidential candidate.

According to him, the endorsement was based on Tinubu’s performance since assuming office in 2023.

He added that the President had taken difficult but necessary decisions, while implementing policies aimed at improving the economy and expanding development across the country.

Ijabiyi also dismissed claims that Nigeria was drifting towards a one-party state, saying the APC’s growing dominance was due to public confidence in its leadership.

He called on party leaders across the country to unite behind Tinubu and ensure a smooth primary process ahead of the 2027 elections.

He particularly commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing him as a key mobiliser of support for the President in the state.

“This Elders Forum owes its existence to our worthy son, the Hon. Minister of Interior. We came together to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda, and he has supported us in strengthening that mission,” Ijabiyi stated.

He stressed that several support groups under the minister were active across the state, mobilising at ward and unit levels in support of Tinubu’s re-election.

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, has secured full accreditation status for 20 academic programmes from the National Universities Commission, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to academic excellence.

In a letter addressed to the university by the Director of Accreditation, Engr. Abraham Chundusu, on behalf of the NUC Executive Secretary, the approved programmes cut across six faculties, reflecting AAUA’s growing academic strength and national recognition.

In the Faculty of Administration and Management, the accredited programmes are Accounting, Banking and Finance, and Public Administration.

In the Faculty of Arts, Linguistics and Yoruba, Philosophy, and Yoruba Language secured full accreditation.

The Faculty of Education recorded the highest number with nine programmes.

 They are Adult Education, Educational Management, Education Biology, Education Mathematics, Education Physics, Education Religious Studies, Health Education, Integrated Science, and Social Studies.

The Faculty of Law also secured full accreditation for its Law programme.

In the Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Geology received full accreditation status.

In the Faculty of Social Sciences, Geography and Planning Sciences, alongside Psychology, were also granted full accreditation.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, commended the NUC for its dedication to maintaining quality and high standards across Nigerian universities.

He also praised members of staff for their commitment and steadfastness, assuring that the university would continue to raise standards and sustain excellence in all its programmes.

The NUC conducts periodic accreditation exercises for programmes in Nigerian universities. The last exercise at AAUA was held between October and December 2025.

All preparations have been concluded for Prof. Nnaoma Iwu, a distinguished expert in Comparative Politics, Strategic Studies, and Conflict Resolution at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, to present the institution’s 61st inaugural lecture on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

The lecture, titled “Killing the ‘gods’ of Ethnicity inhibiting Nigeria’s Journey towards Technological Innovation: Football Theory of Scientific Development to the Rescue,” aims to examine ways of overcoming ethnic divisions to enhance national development and accelerate technological innovation in Nigeria.

 The event, which marks another academic milestone at AAUA, will be held in the University Multipurpose Hall at 2pm; guests are urged to be seated by 1.30pm. The lecture promises to generate robust discourse among scholars, policymakers, and students alike.

In a statement, the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chairman of Ceremonies, Prof. Adebisi Daramola, affirmed that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event.

Prof. Iwu’s academic journey began in 2000, when he earned a Bachelor of Science degree (Hons) in Political Science from the University of Ibadan. He obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science in 2002, also from the University of Ibadan, and completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science at the same institution in 2014.

He thereafter joined Adekunle Ajasin University in 2014 as a Lecturer I in the Department of Political Science, and has since risen through the academic ranks to become a Professor in 2023.

Aside from teaching and research, Prof. Iwu has served the institution in several capacities. He has served as Acting Head of the Department of Political Science, Coordinator of the Departmental Postgraduate Programme and Part Time Programmes (IPTP), and Secretary of the Local Organising Committee of the Adekunle Ajasin University/Leeds United University (UK) Joint Public Lecture.

A seasoned researcher, the don has authored a book and coauthored chapters in nine other scholarly books, with 31 journal articles to his credit. He has also attended and presented papers at 19 conferences both in Nigeria and abroad, including in Benin, the United States, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom.

Beyond Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, he has worked as a Lecturer II in the Department of Political Science at Tansian University, Oba, Anambra State; the Department of Political Science at Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State; and the Department of Political Science at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He has also worked as a Facilitator at the National Open University of Nigeria, Akure, Ondo State.

In recognition of his scholarly distinction, Prof. Iwu has received several awards, grants, fellowships, and honours. These include: Award of Excellence from the Department of Political Science, Adekunle Ajasin University; Award of Excellence from the Department of Political Science, Achievers University, Owo; and Award of Excellence from the Department of Political Science, Afe Babalola University, Ekiti. In addition, he was a recipient of the 2016 Brown International Advanced Research Institutes (BIARI) Alumni Funding Grant Competition (Group Project on “Governing Diversity in the Twenty-first Century”); holds a BIARI certificate in Ethnicity, Conflict, and Inequality in Global Perspectives from Brown University, United States (2016); and obtained an Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI) certificate, Akure (2012).

He holds active membership of the Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA) and the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), and is affiliated with the Knowledge Mill International Foundation (KMIF). He is also a Senior Research Associate at the Minority Issues Research Institute (Research That Matters).

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A renowned geologist, Professor Solomon Obaje, will deliver the 60th inaugural lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

The lecture, which marks a significant milestone in the university’s academic calendar, is expected to draw scholars, students, and dignitaries from across the country.

Titled “Not Medicine, But Mission: From Disappointment to Discovery in Geoscience for National Development”, the lecture will take place at the university’s Multipurpose Hall. It is scheduled to begin at precisely 2 pm, while guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 pm.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee, Prof. Adebisi Daramola, confirmed in a statement that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will preside over the event.

Prof. Obaje began his academic journey in 1988 when he earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Geology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He obtained his Master of Science degree in Geology, specialising in Mineral Exploration and Geochemistry, from the same institution in 2002. In 2012, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Geology, with a focus on Biostratigraphy, at the Federal University of Technology, Minna. He joined Adekunle Ajasin University in 1990 as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Earth Sciences and has since risen through the academic ranks, becoming a Professor in 2022.

Throughout his career at the university, Prof. Obaje has served in various capacities, including two terms as Acting Head of Department, Departmental Examination Officer, Pioneer Departmental Postgraduate Coordinator, and Coordinator of the Departmental Geology Programme. A seasoned researcher, he has contributed a chapter to a book and authored 46 published articles. He has also attended and presented papers at 43 conferences, both locally and internationally, in countries such as Ghana, Egypt, Luxembourg, and Turkey. Beyond his home institution, he has worked as a Senior Lecturer at Delta State University, Abraka, and Salem University, Lokoja, and as a Lecturer in Geology and Mining at Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna.

A testament to his scholarly achievements, Prof. Obaje has received numerous awards, grants, and sponsorships. These include the AAUA Research Grant (2024), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund sponsorship for Computer ICDL training and certification at AAUA (2020), the FME/World Bank STEP-B PhD Geology Research Grant (2010), and the Surveyor General of the Federation’s Grant for PhD Thesis Writing (2009). In addition, he has received sponsorships to attend conferences such as the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists’ Annual International Conference (2018) and the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society’s 53rd Annual International Conference (2017). His awards also include the CGG-Veritas-NAPE Grant-in-Aid Award for PhD Geology Research (2009), the Nigerian Association of Geology and Mining Students (NAGAMS) Meritorious Award (1987), and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics Service Award (1995).

Prof. Obaje is affiliated with numerous professional bodies in Nigeria and abroad. He is a member of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (MNAPE), an affiliate of the Nigerian Computer Society (AMNCS), and an Associate Member of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (AMCPN). He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), the Institute of Policy Management and Leadership Development (FIPMLD), and the International Society for Development and Sustainability (FISDS), Japan.

…Prof. Fatukasi says decades of anti-poverty programmes have only deepened Nigeria’s economic dependence

A renowned professor of Development Economics, Adebayo Fatukasi, has argued that government policies aimed at poverty eradication will continue to fail without the inclusion of, and input from, indigenous development economists.

He therefore advocated closer collaboration between the government and development economists to ensure the success of targeted, transformative strategies that would reduce the country’s rising poverty rate.

He also appealed to the government to invest in the simultaneous development of all regions and states in Nigeria. According to him, the current rate of development in the South-West, South-East, and South-South is incomparable to that of the northern regions, which are far behind in terms of development.

Prof. Fatukasi stated this on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, while delivering the 59th inaugural lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, titled: “Reducing Poverty in Our Land: Divine Mandate of a Development Economist!”

He acknowledged the various reforms introduced by different administrations to reduce poverty, lamenting that these efforts had instead deepened poverty and increased economic indebtedness and dependence as a result of inadequate funding, lack of proper coordination and commitment, poor design, and weak monitoring and evaluation.

“In 1972, the Federal Government embarked on the National Accelerated Food Production Programme (NAFPP). In 1975, two programmes were launched: the National Agricultural and Co-operative Bank, and Operation Feed the Nation. In 1979, the River Basins Development Authority (RBDA) was created to cater for the development of the basins of the country’s major rivers.

“Others are the Green Revolution of 1980, the Back to Land programme of 1984, the Directorate for Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) of 1986, the Nigerian Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) of 1992, the Better Life Programme (BLP) of 1987, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) of 1986, and the Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP) of 1998. 

More recently, we have had the Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP), the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), N-Power of 2016, and the TraderMoni scheme of 2021,” he noted.

Quoting the World Economic Forum, Prof. Fatukasi posited that evidence of these programmes’ failure is reflected in Nigeria’s poverty figures: about 87 million people, representing 38.9 per cent of the population, lived below $2.15 per day in 2024, ranking the country second only to India in global poverty.

He blamed several factors for the poverty rate, including poor employment opportunities, corruption, a poor education system and limited access to education, a poor saving culture, overpopulation, laziness, insecurity, poor government policies, poor quality healthcare, insufficient access to resources, and lack of investment knowledge.

Underlining the role of development economists in a country’s economic development, he stated that they analyse various economic factors such as income distribution, resource allocation, industrialisation, trade, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability in developing countries.

The inaugural lecturer said the importance of development economists includes conducting research, policy formulation, policy analysis, project evaluation, capacity building, advocacy, and, most importantly, giving recommendations and advice on how a developing nation can improve infrastructure, human capital, or the legal environment for enterprise.

The don therefore called on experts in development economics and relevant stakeholders to design targeted strategies that would drive sustainable development and address structural and systemic economic challenges.

He also stressed the need for more context-specific theories, noting that many existing models do not reflect the country’s cultural realities and ways of life. He observed that some so-called experts, particularly those affiliated with multinational donor organisations, often promote sophisticated concepts, elegant theoretical frameworks, and complex econometric models that ultimately result in inappropriate or ineffective policies.

Prof. Fatukasi added that development economists should prioritise practical approaches and models that directly improve the living conditions of citizens and “put food on their tables.”

“Poverty remains a complex problem that occurs everywhere and can be triggered by various factors. Overcoming it requires cooperation from various parties, ranging from individuals and communities to governments and world organisations.

“What becomes of a child raised in a slum? The government’s effective and impactful development policies remain the hope of such a child,” he said.

Earlier, while presenting the inaugural lecturer, the Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, defined inaugural lectures as platforms for sharing transformative ideas and discoveries with the academic community, policymakers, and the wider global audience. 

He commended the don for addressing critical issues affecting the nation and the global community, noting that his research offers practical insights and policy-relevant solutions to pressing socio-economic challenges.

The Ondo State Government has announced a historic initiative to digitise all laws of Ondo State and make them freely available to the public through electronic access. The move, unveiled today, marks a major step toward greater transparency, improved access to justice, and accelerated digital governance in Nigeria’s justice sector.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, following a high-level meeting with Mr Ope Olugasa, Managing Director of LawPavilion Business Solutions Limited, Nigeria’s leading information technology company and one of the country’s most recognised online legal reporting platforms.

Dr Ajulo described the initiative as “a game-changing milestone that will revolutionise how citizens, lawyers, judges, students, and policymakers engage with the laws of Ondo State.” He said the partnership positions Ondo State as a national leader in the deployment of technology for people-centred justice delivery and transparent governance.

Digitisation Commitment by LawPavilion

In a notable display of corporate and personal commitment, LawPavilion has pledged to undertake the complete digitisation project to the Ondo State Government. 

This includes the full electronic publication of Ondo State laws, hosting, and perpetual public access on the LawPavilion platform.

Mr Olugasa, speaking during the meeting held at the Attorney General’s office in Abuja, emphasised that the initiative is driven by deep personal conviction and a long-standing relationship with the Attorney General, whom he has known for more than three decades. “This is more than business, it is a heartfelt contribution to the land of my roots,” he said. He added that his late father served as Provost of St. David’s Cathedral, Ijomu-Akure, and that the partnership reflects his personal commitment to advancing a modern and efficient justice system in Ondo State.

He further stated that LawPavilion will deploy its advanced LegalTech solutions, including LAWPAVILION PRIME, an electronic law reports and legal analytics platform, to ensure Ondo State laws are instantly searchable, accessible, and user-friendly for all stakeholders, anytime and anywhere.

Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration

The meeting reflected strong collaboration across public institutions and private innovation. It was attended by Mrs Grace Olowoporoku, the Administrative Secretary, Office of Public Defenders, Mrs Helen Falowo, the Director of Library Services, Federal Ministry of Justice; and Mr Bade Owate, Special Assistant to the Attorney General.

Eliminating Barriers and Improving Access to Justice

Dr Ajulo noted that the initiative is expected to eliminate reliance on bulky and costly printed volumes by enabling quick online access for lawyers, judges, law students, civil servants, and ordinary citizens. He said it will also improve system-wide efficiency, reduce litigation delays, strengthen the rule of law, and align Ondo State with global best practices in e-governance, while helping conserve public funds for other development priorities.

“It stands as a powerful model of public-private partnership driven by shared values rather than profit,” Dr Ajulo stated.

He concluded: “Today, Ondo State writes a new chapter in its legal history. With LawPavilion as our partner, we are not just digitising laws, we are democratizing justice and building a smarter, fairer future for our people. We are deeply grateful for this selfless contribution.”

…don to spotlight poverty reduction, policy reforms for inclusive growth

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), is set to host its 59th inaugural lecture, a landmark academic event to be delivered by Professor Adebayo Fatukasi, a highly respected economist and senior academic at the institution. 

The lecture, scheduled for Tuesday, 21 April 2026, promises to offer fresh perspectives on one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges: economic revival and poverty reduction.

Titled “Reducing Poverty in Our Land: Divine Mandate of Development Economist!”, the lecture will take place at the University Multipurpose Hall, starting at 2:00 pm, with guests requested to be seated by 1:30 pm. The theme reflects Professor Fatukasi’s conviction that development economists have both a professional and moral obligation to drive policies that uplift the poor and restructure national economies for inclusive growth.

According to a statement issued by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Ceremonies, Professor Adebisi Daramola, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, will preside over the event. Senior university officials, deans of faculties, heads of departments, students, and members of the wider community are expected to attend.

Professor Fatukasi’s path to academic distinction began in 1994, when he earned a Master of Science degree in Economics and Finance from the Higher Institute of Economics ‘Karl Marx’ in Sofia, Bulgaria. In 2002, he moved to the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration in Austria, where he obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Economics. His international training has significantly shaped his approach to development economics, blending rigorous quantitative methods with a deep understanding of transitional economies.

He joined Adekunle Ajasin University in 2003 as a Lecturer II in the Department of Economics. Through consistent research, teaching excellence, and administrative dedication, he rose through the academic ranks to become a professor in 2019, a testament to his scholarly impact and service. Over the years, Professor Fatukasi has served the university in numerous capacities, including Acting Head and substantive Head of the Department of Economics; Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences; Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Coordinator of Departmental Postgraduate Programmes; Head of the Business Committee of the Departmental Academic Board; Chairman of the Faculty of Social Sciences Students’ Welfare Committee; Director of the Institute of Part-Time Programmes and the Centre for Distance Learning; and Chairman of the Board of Survey. These roles have equipped him with a holistic understanding of university governance and student welfare.

A prolific scholar, Professor Fatukasi has authored two books and 28 journal articles, and has contributed chapters to four other academic volumes. He has presented papers at numerous conferences both within Nigeria and internationally, including in Ghana and China. His research interests span poverty dynamics, fiscal policy, development finance, and institutional reforms. Beyond his work at AAUA, Professor Fatukasi has served as an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Achievers University, Owo, and as an External Examiner for the National Diploma Programme in the Department of Social Sciences at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo. He also served as a Seminar and Conference Assistant at the Hernstein International Management Institute in Vienna, Austria, a role that sharpened his skills in academic event management and international collaboration.

He holds active memberships in several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Economic Society, the Institute of Commerce, and the International Network of African Researchers. In recognition of his expertise, he was also elected a Fellow of the Institute of Policy Management Development.

The inaugural lecture aims to examine how development economics can serve as a practical tool for poverty reduction, wealth creation, and sustainable socio-economic development in Nigeria. It will highlight actionable policy approaches for improving living standards, particularly at the grassroots level, and explore the ethical and spiritual dimensions of economic planning, as suggested by the lecture’s subtitle, framing poverty reduction as a divine mandate. 

The lecture will also propose institutional reforms that can bridge the gap between macroeconomic growth and household welfare.

…as Kogi NASSI elects new executive members

An industrialist and business development service provider, Mr. Gile Terna Julian, has called on governments at all levels in Nigeria to provide adequate support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), warning that failure to do so will continue to hinder the nation’s economic growth.

Julian made this known during the election and inauguration of executive members of the Kogi State chapter of the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), held on Friday in Lokoja.

He identified key challenges facing Nigeria’s economy, including the failure of the three tiers of government to create an enabling environment for small businesses, the absence of sustainable and business-friendly policies, and the burden of multiple taxation on struggling enterprises.

According to him, no nation can achieve meaningful economic development without prioritising MSMEs, which he described as the backbone of any thriving economy.

He further noted that inadequate infrastructure, such as unreliable electricity supply, poor rural road networks, and limited access to potable water, continues to impede economic progress.

“No nation across the world can achieve economic development without special focus on MSMEs because they drive the economy,” he said.

Julian also expressed dissatisfaction over Nigeria’s prolonged status as a developing economy, questioning when the country would attain developed status.

He urged the newly elected executives to implement policies that would enhance the productivity of members and strengthen their contribution to national development.

While pledging his support in the area of capacity building, Mr. Julian, who chaired the electoral committee, advised the association to collaborate with relevant government and non-governmental organisations in the state.

In his acceptance speech, the new State Chairman, Mr. Ola-Oni Das’mema Patrick, pledged to reposition the association for greater impact.

He appealed for the cooperation of members to achieve the association’s goals and objectives.

Other officials elected and sworn in at the event, held at the Kogi State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, include Mrs. Joy Juwa Wright, Vice Chairman (Women Affairs); Mr. Ayokunle Alaba Adebayo, Vice Chairman (Agro-Allied); Prince Bamidele Franklin, Treasurer, and Mr. Moses Ojo Matthew, Public Relations Officer.

A Professor of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Dominic Odedeyi, has claimed that Nigeria could save over one billion dollars annually from fish importation and significantly boost its economy if the nation’s fisheries resources are properly maximised.

He made this declaration on Tuesday, April 7,  2026, while delivering the 58th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State. The lecture, titled “From Creation to Cultivation: Enhancing Fish Biology for Humanity”, was held at the University’s Multipurpose Hall.

Prof.  Odedeyi stressed the importance of enhancing fish biology through sustainable fisheries – an approach that focuses on meeting the demand for fish among Nigeria’s present population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. He noted that this strategy could create employment, increase foreign exchange earnings, improve the living standards of Nigerians, and help restore endangered fish species.

He observed that Nigeria is abundantly blessed with both fresh and saltwater fishery resources, which makes fisheries a potentially important sector in the nation’s economic growth. Nine of the 36 states of the federation are coastal states, each having a shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean.

In a developing economy like Nigeria, where aquaculture is also fast developing, he continued, placing priority on the breeding of cultured fish species is a move in the right direction. For the sustainability of fisheries, the biology of such species in the wild should be understood in order to replicate that environment in captivity.

Highlighting the impact of an imbalanced demand-supply chain, the fisheries expert said: As important as fish are to millions of people in Africa, it is becoming one of the most expensive food items on the continent due to challenges related to overfishing, aquatic degradation, and poor aquaculture practices.

He further reported that Nigeria, with an estimated population of 224 million people, produces around 1.2 million metric tonnes of fish annually – 90% of which is consumed domestically. This situation, he explained, has resulted in nearly 60% of households experiencing food insecurity.

Prof. Odedeyi blamed overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation, poor enforcement of inland fisheries laws and regulations, climate change, lack of infrastructure, lack of data on potentially cultivable indigenous fish species, and population growth for the deterioration of the country’s fisheries resources and its increasing reliance on fish importation.

In light of this, he recommended that the government invest in research on indigenous fish species with aquaculture potential, to complement the production of African catfish. He noted that the future of aquaculture and fish production in Nigeria lies in identifying more indigenous species with culture potential. He also urged the government to strengthen fisheries extension and sensitisation programmes to facilitate interaction between researchers and fish farmers.

The aquaculture scholar further advised fish farmers in Nigeria to consider including a variety of indigenous fish that are potentially cultivable, rather than focusing solely on the popular African catfish.

According to him, there is a need to increase human resources and technology in fisheries and aquaculture in order to obtain optimum and sustainable yields. People should also ensure that efforts are geared towards reducing the impacts of effluent discharge into aquatic habitats.

Prof.  Odedeyi also warned that a study had revealed a high concentration of metals in fish samples collected from some rivers in Ondo State, posing significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to the public and to fishers. He therefore appealed to the government to enforce strict regulations on the pollution of aquatic habitats and on the use of obnoxious fishing methods in Nigerian water bodies.

Earlier, while introducing the inaugural lecturer, the Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, underscored the importance of inaugural lectures, describing them as platforms for scholars to share findings from years of research with both the academic community and the wider public.

He commended Prof. Odedeyi for focusing on practical outcomes that improve protein supply, empower local fish farmers, create jobs, and strengthen food security for future generations.

Dr. Grace Olubunmi Babalola has been appointed as the new substantive Registrar of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State.

Her appointment was confirmed as the Universitys sixth substantive Registrar by the Governing Council at its emergency meeting held in Akungba Akoko on Monday, March 16, 2026. The appointment, which carries a tenure of five years, takes effect from Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

An astute administrator, Dr. Babalola attended Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, where she emerged as the best graduating student in the Faculty of Law, with a Second-Class Upper Division in 1999. She thereafter proceeded to the prestigious Nigerian Law School in Abuja and was called to the Bar in 2001. In addition to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State in 2009, the new Registrar also holds a Master of Laws (LLM) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law from the same university in 2018 and 2024 respectively.

Dr. Babalola, the immediate past Deputy Registrar (Academic Affairs Division), brings to the role a wealth of experience spanning decades in university administration.

She joined the services of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, as a Senior Assistant Registrar and Head of the Legal Unit in 2009. Her career in university administration later continued as Acting Development Officer (Endowment), Principal Assistant Registrar (Vice Chancellors Office), Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Academic Staff Establishment (Personnel Division), Deputy Registrar and Head of Division (Council Affairs), before she became Deputy Registrar and Head of Division (Academic Affairs).

The new Registrar has on several occasions served as a member or secretary of numerous university committees. She has also been a part-time lecturer since 2019, and has attended and presented papers at many seminars and conferences around the world, including in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

A refined administrator, she has published in notable academic journals and is the author of three forthcoming books on education law, focusing on university leadership, ethical governance, and transformative registry practice.

Dr. Babalola is a member of several professional organisations, including: Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Corporate Administrators (FCIA); Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria (FCIPM); Fellow of the Institute of Policy Management and Leadership Development (IPMLD); Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM); Member of the Association of University Administrators (AHEP), United Kingdom; Member of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice; Member of the Association of Nigerian Universities Professional Administrators (ANUPA); Chaplain General of the International Institute of Chaplaincy; Member of the Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA); Alumna of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies; Life Member of Legal Temple Nigeria; and Life Member of the Bible Society of Nigeria, among others.

She has attended and presented papers at academic conferences and leadership platforms at top global universities both within and outside Nigeria, including at Durban University of Technology (South Africa), and at Stratford University, the University of Manchester, Nottingham Trent University, Durham University, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Oxford (all in the United Kingdom), to name a few. She has also been a recipient of TETFund grants for conferences and seminars on more than one occasion.

Her efficient service delivery has earned her several awards and commendations, including: the Senates Commendation for prompt communication of Senate decisions (2023); the Senates Commendation for flawless minutes (2021); the Governing Councils Commendation for near‑flawless minutes (2019); the Vice Chancellor’s Commendation for Outstanding Performance (2018); the Vice Chancellor’s Appreciation for prompt completion of an assignment (2010); and a Commendation Award from the Ogun State University Law Students’ Association (1996).

She has also received the Nester Award for Excellence from the Faculty of Law, Ogun State University (1996); the award for Best Final Year Student, Faculty of Law (1999); the award for Best Graduating Student in Law of Banking and Insurance (1999); Legal Personality of the Year from Legal Temple Nigeria (2013); and an Award of Achievement from the Womens Studies and Development Centre, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (2021), among others.

The new Registrar takes over from Dr. Olugbenga Arajulu, whose tenure ended on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Signed:

Victor A. Akinpelumi

Deputy Registrar,

Information, Protocol and Public Relations Unit /

Head, Radio AAUA 90.3FM

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko,

Ondo State, Nigeria