Olubunmi Omoniyi, a professor of Science Education and Curriculum Studies, has urged educators and policymakers to adopt transformative teaching strategies that recognise and nurture the unique potential in every student. 

Prof. Omoniyi stated this on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, while delivering the 43rd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, titled “A Science Classroom Where Everyone is a Genius: Management through Phenomenological Methodology.”

The professor, who drew from decades of experience in teaching Chemistry across secondary schools and tertiary institutions, declared: “A classroom where everyone is a genius is not a dream. It is a possibility waiting to be unlocked with the right methods.”

She emphasised that learning environments should move beyond rote memorisation to become vibrant spaces where students explore, experiment, and innovate.

Omoniyi recounted her PhD research, which employed an activity-based learning cycle in teaching difficult Chemistry topics like electrolysis and thermodynamics, saying “The outcome was profound. All 60 students I taught passed, at different paces, yes, but none was left behind. That was the moment I realised: there are no dullards, only untapped genius.”

She identified phenomenological methodology as a key to unlocking such brilliance. This student-centred approach considers learners’ unique experiences, abilities, and learning paces while emphasising classroom management as the bedrock of effective delivery. Citing her own findings and studies by others, Omoniyi stated: “Good classroom management, when combined with strategic pedagogical methods, turns classrooms into workshops of brilliance.”

Prof. Omoniyi, who pinpointed underfunded laboratories, unqualified science teachers, outdated curricula, and a reliance on foreign teaching frameworks unsuited to Nigerian learners as major challenges facing science education in Nigeria, called for innovative teaching strategies. She urged teachers to adopt inquiry-based and constructivist approaches such as the Learning Cycle Method, Scaffolding, and Vee Mapping to encourage deeper understanding and curiosity.

She noted the urgent need for science educators to undergo pedagogical training, stressing that subject mastery without teaching skill is inadequate. She also called on parents to nurture scientific curiosity early by providing stimulating materials like puzzles and science kits.

Omoniyi emphasised: “Many of our science teachers and lecturers lack professional qualifications in teaching. While they may have mastery of their subject matter, they often lack the pedagogical skills required to make science engaging and accessible. Teacher training programmes must emphasise the ‘how’ of teaching science. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in fostering a love for science from an early age. Providing toys, puzzles, and other materials that spark curiosity can lay a solid foundation for future interest in science.”

The Inaugural Lecturer added that governments must invest significantly in equipping science laboratories to accommodate the growing interest in science disciplines. She said: “Government support is essential to equip laboratories with modern facilities. As students’ enrolment in science courses increases, these spaces must be prepared to accommodate and inspire young scientists.”

She argued for support for indigenous authors, saying: “Indigenous authors should be encouraged and funded to produce textbooks that address the specific needs of Nigerian students and society. These books should be affordable and accessible, ensuring that every student can benefit from them.”

She also called for curriculum reform that would align with national development goals and learner realities to enhance engagement and applicability.

“Curriculum planners should prioritise integrating topics that align with the realities and aspirations of learners and society. A relevant curriculum ensures that students can see the practical applications of their education. There are some private schools in Nigeria using the British curriculum, which is not relevant to the needs of the learner and the society,” she said.

Prof. Omoniyi appealed to stakeholders in education, including policymakers, teachers, and parents, to embrace the mission of uncovering the genius in every child. “It is our shared duty to discover, nurture, and celebrate the brilliance within each learner. Let us rise to this challenge.”

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, lauded the Inaugural Lecturer for her dedication to scholarship, contributions to knowledge, especially in the field of science education and service to humanity.

A Professor of Science Education and Curriculum Studies,  Olubunmi Omoniyi, will, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, deliver the 43rd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, titled, “A Science Classroom Where Everyone is a Genius: Management through Phenomenological Methodology”.

According to a statement by the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event. The lecture will take place in the University Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 2:00 pm, with guests urged to be seated by 1:30 pm.

Prof. (Mrs.) Omoniyi’s academic journey includes earning a B.Sc(Ed) degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Science Education from the former Ondo State University, Ado Ekiti, now Ekiti State University, in 1987 and 1997, respectively. In 2005, she bagged a Ph.D in Science Education and Curriculum Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.

Joining the services of AAUA in 2013 as a lecturer 1 in the Department of Science Education, Prof. (Mrs.) Omoniyi ascended through the ranks, to achieve the revered position of professor in 2022.

Prof. (Mrs.) Omoniyi has served the University at one time or another in several capacities, including acting Head of Department of Science Education, acting Director, Centre for Gender Studies and Development, and Students’ Work Study Scheme.

She has attended several local and international conferences  in the United States of America; United Kingdom, Kenya, and Mauritius.  

Prof. (Mrs.) Omoniyi’s academic career is evidenced by publishing two books, contributing to another two, and publication of over 50 articles in learned journals. 

She has supervised  over 180 undergraduates and postgraduate students, including 21 master and five Ph.D candidates.

She holds membership in several professional bodies, including the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN); Gender and Science and Technology Association (GASAT); Third World Organization of Women in Science (TWOWS); American Chemical Society (USA); Gender Studies Association of Nigeria (GSAN); Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria; Science Teachers Association of Texas (USA); and the National Science Teachers Association (USA).

A seasoned scholar in Educational Management, Prof. Akinrotimi Oyetakin, has raised the alarm over the growing mismatch between the rising costs of tertiary education and the dwindling funding commitments from both the government and stakeholders, describing the situation as a dangerous financial disequilibrium.

Prof. Oyetakin expressed his concerns while delivering the 42nd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, titled “Cost Explosion and Expenditure Implosion of Tertiary Education: Equilibrium Heresies in Motion.”

He observed that although Nigeria has continued to invest in education, the efforts remain grossly insufficient in meeting the financial demands of modern-day tertiary education. He emphasised that sustaining quality education requires a collective financial commitment guided by the principles of fiscal justice and the benefiter-pay ideology.

Prof. Oyetakin said, “There are no free meals anywhere in the world. Free education, in its real sense, is not free. Someone somewhere pays for it. Therefore, based on the benefiter-pay principle and the tenets of fiscal justice, every stakeholder must contribute meaningfully to funding education.”

He proposed a recalibration of Nigeria’s educational funding structure to restore equilibrium and avert systemic collapse.

Prof. Oyetakin explained that cost explosion refers to the rapid and uncontrollable increase in the financial requirements of providing tertiary education, while expenditure implosion signifies a severe decline or stagnation in budgetary allocations to the sector. He characterised the imbalance between these two forces as an “equilibrium heresy” — a distortion that has crippled the quality and sustainability of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

To address this critical imbalance, the Inaugural Lecturer recommended a strategic recalibration of funding models, including the diversification of income streams through increased consultancy and the commercialisation of research. He also encouraged universities to attract investments from private companies and development partners.

He advocated for the aggressive pursuit of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), urging university managements to think innovatively. “Every Naira earned through IGR is a value that could have been lost. Managements should adopt a profit-sharing formula attractive enough to motivate departments and units responsible for revenue generation,” he said.

Prof. Oyetakin also emphasised the need for the establishment of the Education Emergency Relief Agency of Nigeria (EERAN) to manage disruptions caused by insecurity and disasters. He recommended the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for supervision and facility management, as well as a public-private Adopt-a-School partnership programme to support infrastructure development.

He further called for a comprehensive review of government policies that impose abysmally low budgetary allocations to education, insisting that a minimum of 20% annual allocation at both state and federal levels is critical to reversing the current crisis.

The Inaugural Lecturer added, “The Government and stakeholders should devise a policy to encourage all employed alumni of every tertiary institution to assist their alma mater in infrastructural development. This policy will enable alumni of each institution to pay back some tokens, and not just through gifts as is currently the case.”

He decried the proliferation of non-viable programmes and tertiary institutions with low economic returns, calling for the strategic de-accreditation of such courses and a stronger focus on institutional comparative advantage.

He said, “We must apply the principle of economies of scale to ensure financial prudence and academic relevance. Non-profitable academic programmes should be discarded to reduce wastages. Various studies have revealed that some courses in tertiary institutions, with low economic returns on investment, are no longer profitable. Such courses or programmes should be discarded or redesigned to attract the interest of potential candidates and improve employability in the labour market.”

Oyetakin also called for the de-emphasis of credentialism and the screening hypothesis, noting that many developed nations are shifting away from the belief that academic certificates are direct indicators of productivity. He argued that paper qualifications, often obtained through questionable means, do not always translate to competence or efficiency in the workplace. He cautioned against politicised or overly rigid screening processes that could sideline the most capable candidates, thereby undermining meritocracy and institutional progress.

According to him, “Most developed nations are moving away from this theory, believing that certificate acquisition at times is not concomitant with productivity. This argument is based on the fact that many people cheat to get paper qualifications, which do not necessarily translate into high levels of productivity. Also, the screening process must not be politically rigorous to the point where the best candidates become the last.”

The professor emphasised that the survival of Nigeria’s tertiary education depends on disrupting the entrenched “financial super-parasites” and embracing a holistic and accountable funding model. “A flying bird (cost) versus a flying butterfly (funding) must be critically examined. Until we achieve true equilibrium, quality education will remain elusive,” he noted.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, noted that the lecture was not only an academic discourse but also a celebration of a life steeped in research, teaching, service, and impact.

He expressed appreciation to Prof. Oyetakin for his steadfast devotion to the pursuit of knowledge, exemplary service to the university, and outstanding scholarly contributions to the field of Educational Management.

A renowned scholar in Educational Management, Professor Akinrotimi Iyiomo Oyetakin, is set to deliver the 42nd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA).

According to a statement issued by Professor Adebisi Daramola, Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), the lecture is scheduled for Tuesday, 17th June 2025, and will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the University’s Multipurpose Hall, with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m. The event will be chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige.

The lecture, titled “Cost Explosion and Expenditure Implosion in Tertiary Education: Equilibrium Heresies in Motion”, is expected to provide deep insights into the financial dynamics of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.

Professor Oyetakin began his academic journey with a National Certificate in Education (NCE) from the Lagos State College of Education, Oto-Ijanikin, in 1990. He proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics Education (B.Sc. Ed.) from Lagos State University in 1998, followed by a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Management from the same institution in 2000 and 2009, respectively.

He joined the services of Adekunle Ajasin University in 2010 as a Lecturer II in the Department of Educational Management and rose steadily through the ranks to become Professor in 2022.

Throughout his academic career, Professor Oyetakin has held numerous academic and administrative roles. These include serving three times as Head of Department, Secretary of the Faculty Conference and Seminar Committee, Coordinator of Departmental Seminars and Journals, and Member of various committees such as the AAUA Webometric Committee, Postgraduate Seminar Committee, and the Faculty of Education Journal Committee. He has also served as Centre Coordinator for the University’s Sandwich Degree Programme and as Acting Director of the Institute of Education.

An accomplished academic and prolific scholar, Professor Oyetakin has published, edited, and co-authored over 59 books and peer-reviewed articles in esteemed academic journals across the globe. He is a sought-after speaker and a rapporteur, having participated in academic discourses and conferences in Nigeria, Italy, Tanzania, Lebanon, Kenya, and other countries.

Professor Oyetakin’s dedication to scholarship is also reflected in his active participation in several professional bodies. He is a member of the Nigerian Association for Educational Administration and Planning, the Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and Management, the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, a Fellow of the International Institute of Logistics and Administration, and a Life Member of the Teaching and Education Research Association (TERA), United Kingdom. He also serves as an editor, co-editor, and reviewer for leading academic journals.

The forthcoming inaugural lecture is expected to attract scholars, policymakers, students, and members of the public, offering an opportunity for critical engagement with one of the most pressing issues confronting tertiary education today.

A renowned scholar in Educational Management, Professor Akinrotimi Iyiomo Oyetakin, is set to deliver the 42nd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA).

According to a statement issued by Professor Adebisi Daramola, Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), the lecture is scheduled for Tuesday, 17th June 2025, and will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the University’s Multipurpose Hall, with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m. The event will be chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige.

The lecture, titled “Cost Explosion and Expenditure Implosion in Tertiary Education: Equilibrium Heresies in Motion”, is expected to provide deep insights into the financial dynamics of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.

Professor Oyetakin began his academic journey with a National Certificate in Education (NCE) from the Lagos State College of Education, Oto-Ijanikin, in 1990. He proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics Education (B.Sc. Ed.) from Lagos State University in 1998, followed by a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Management from the same institution in 2000 and 2009, respectively.

He joined the services of Adekunle Ajasin University in 2010 as a Lecturer II in the Department of Educational Management and rose steadily through the ranks to become Professor in 2022.

Throughout his academic career, Professor Oyetakin has held numerous academic and administrative roles. These include serving three times as Head of Department, Secretary of the Faculty Conference and Seminar Committee, Coordinator of Departmental Seminars and Journals, and Member of various committees such as the AAUA Webometric Committee, Postgraduate Seminar Committee, and the Faculty of Education Journal Committee. He has also served as Centre Coordinator for the University’s Sandwich Degree Programme and as Acting Director of the Institute of Education.

An accomplished academic and prolific scholar, Professor Oyetakin has published, edited, and co-authored over 59 books and peer-reviewed articles in esteemed academic journals across the globe. He is a sought-after speaker and a rapporteur, having participated in academic discourses and conferences in Nigeria, Italy, Tanzania, Lebanon, Kenya, and other countries.

Professor Oyetakin’s dedication to scholarship is also reflected in his active participation in several professional bodies. He is a member of the Nigerian Association for Educational Administration and Planning, the Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and Management, the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, a Fellow of the International Institute of Logistics and Administration, and a Life Member of the Teaching and Education Research Association (TERA), United Kingdom. He also serves as an editor, co-editor, and reviewer for leading academic journals.

The forthcoming inaugural lecture is expected to attract scholars, policymakers, students, and members of the public, offering an opportunity for critical engagement with one of the most pressing issues confronting tertiary education today.

A renowned Professor of Philosophy, Solomon Akinyemi Laleye, has asserted that the root of Africa’s developmental challenges lies in the collapse of its moral infrastructure, arguing that families, schools, and communities must return to their ethical responsibilities, while institutions of governance uphold justice and accountability to foster a generation of morally grounded and development-driven citizens.

Prof. Laleye made the assertion on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, while delivering the 41st Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, titled, “The Ethics of Complementarity and the Third Face of the Coin: An Indispensable Route to Integral Human Development”.

He said, “Africa’s pathway to integral human development is inextricably tied to the revival of its moral infrastructure. The ethics of complementarity and the recognition of the “third face of the coin”, a perspective that transcends binary oppositions, offers an indispensable route to achieving this goal.

“The family serves as the first institution of socialisation, bearing the fundamental responsibility of instilling values in children. At the formative stage, a child’s mind is a Tabula Rasa, a blank slate, open to the imprinting of moral and ethical principles. Parents must, therefore, conscientiously embrace their role in nurturing virtues such as honesty, empathy, and responsibility in their children.

“The school represents the next critical pillar in moral development. It is imperative that our educational system be restructured to prioritise ethics alongside academic excellence. Beyond equipping students with quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills, education must also foster moral consciousness. Ethics should be embedded in curricula to cultivate a sense of justice, integrity, and respect for others.

“The judicial system and other institutions of governance must be strengthened to serve as custodians of justice and ethical accountability. For integral human development to be achieved, institutions must uphold and enforce ethical standards in governance, public service, and social interactions. Justice must be impartial, and ethical violations must be addressed with firmness and fairness to restore public trust in systems of governance.

“By reinforcing the moral foundations within families, schools, communities, and institutions, Africa can foster individuals who are not only intellectually competent but also ethically responsible. Only through such a holistic approach can we truly achieve sustainable development and human flourishing on the continent.”

According to Prof. Laleye, true development cannot be achieved by technological or economic advancement alone. “Progress must be ethically grounded,” he asserted, explaining that the ingenuity of Daedalus symbolises innovation and rights, while Icarus’s fall warns against neglecting responsibility and moderation. Without a moral compass, innovation may lead to unintended harm rather than societal good.

He stressed the importance of aligning justice with peace through the interdependence of ethical foresight and responsible action.

He said, “The third face of the coin represents a deeper understanding of progress, one that transcends binary thinking and unites creativity with wisdom. This holistic view advocates development that balances individual aspirations with the well-being of the community.”

The Inaugural Lecturer also reflected on traditional African societies, which, he noted, were anchored in duty ethics rather than individualistic rights. He recalled that in the past, values such as respect for elders, care for the vulnerable, communal labour, environmental stewardship, and collective conflict resolution were central to social harmony, stating that the erosion of those principles has contributed significantly to Africa’s contemporary challenges.

Prof. Laleye proposed practical steps for reintegrating duty ethics into modern society, including re-evaluating cultural philosophies such as Ubuntu and Omolúàbí, incorporating ethics into educational curricula, promoting community service, encouraging inter-generational dialogue, and fostering leadership rooted in responsibility rather than self-interest.

Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, expressed appreciation to the Inaugural Lecturer, saying, “Today, we come together to honour one of our own, Professor Solomon Akinyemi Laleye, a respected academic whose scholarly contributions exemplify intellectual depth, integrity, and tireless devotion to both his discipline and the advancement of the University.”

Prof. (Mrs.) Victoria Kikelomo Olugbemi has advocated a complete departure from Eurocentric political systems in Nigeria, urging African leaders to embrace indigenous governance frameworks rooted in precolonial traditions, gender equity, and cultural values as a foundation for national stability and sustainable development.

Olugbemi, a professor of Socio-Cultural History and Gender Studies, made the call on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, while delivering the 40th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.

She said, “African civilization remains the most enduring in history. Therefore, African leaders should have a complete shift from modelling their political systems after European structures and instead adopt indigenous frameworks to accelerate development of Africa’s local and regional development.

“The National Assembly should shift their focus from looking outside Nigeria and Africa for suitable political system if we want Nigeria to become a developed nation. It is my belief that the system of checks and balances in African Kingdoms before the advent of the two Abrahamic religions which ensured political stability can serve as a foundation for building a resilient and prosperous nation in Nigeria.”

Prof. Olugbemi emphasised the sanctity of traditional leadership, asserting that “traditional rulers, as descendants of royal bloodlines, should be seen as divine representatives.” She insisted that their selection and installation must strictly follow “precolonial customs and traditions,” rather than government procedures.

According to the Inaugural Lecturer, the monarchs were “ordained by God” and must never be treated as political appointees. She further clarified that “traditional institutions have their own internal mechanisms of checks and balances,” which should be used to address misconduct, not the transient structures of modern government.

On gender and national development, Prof. Olugbemi argued that, “A nation’s strength lies in achieving gender balance”, noting that both men and women must have equal opportunities to shape and sustain national progress. She maintained that societies must move ‘beyond the limitations of patriarchy and authoritarianism’, recognising that gender, religion, and culture, when interwoven positively, act as ‘forces of liberation and pillars for rebuilding a powerful and stable Nigeria.’

She noted that gender, religion, and culture were pivotal to the fortunes of any nation, saying, “They determine the survival or collapse of empires,” she said, adding that the way leaders, institutions, and the media frame these issues in national discourse must be done with “careful consideration to avoid triggering instability.”

Prof. Olugbemi also emphasised that inclusive and quality education for both males and females remained a foundational pillar for national development. She stated that, “Education nurtures political stability through mutual respect and collaboration.”

To meet this goal, she urged all three tiers of government to “increase budgetary allocations to accommodate the surging demands in student population, teaching personnel, instructional materials, and school infrastructure.”Criticizing government favoritism toward private institutions, Prof. Olugbemi said, “Approving more private universities while neglecting public ones contradicts the government’s own Education for All (EFA) mandate.”

She further advised that the school curriculum be overhauled to foster civic consciousness and patriotism. “Training students in national history and civic responsibilities,” she said, “will promote an egalitarian society and strengthen the foundations of nation-building.”

Olugbemi called for immediate attention to the plight of out-of-school children, noting that, “Bringing them into adult education systems can alleviate hunger and poverty” and support Nigeria’s efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly gender equality and lifelong learning.

In his Opening Remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, had eulogised the Inaugural Lecturer for her dedication to scholarship, gender advocacy, and service to humanity. 

The VC added, “I express my sincere appreciation to Professor Kikelomo Victoria Olugbemi for her tireless commitment to academic excellence, the advancement of knowledge and the uplift of our University. Her work has left an indelible mark on this University and on the broader academic and gender equity scene.”

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All is now set for the 41st Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, which will be delivered by a distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Solomon Akinyemi Laleye.

According to a statement by the Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the lecture is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in the University Multipurpose Hall.

Titled “The Ethics of Complementarity and the Third Face of the Coin: An Indispensable Route to Integral Human Development”, the lecture will commence at 2:00 PM, with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 PM. The event will be chaired by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige.

Prof. Laleye obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1992 from the then Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti; a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto in 1998; and both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan in 2005 and 2015, respectively.

He joined the services of Adekunle Ajasin University in 2001 as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Philosophy and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Philosophy in 2021. He has served as Acting Head of Department on three occasions.

An accomplished academic, Professor Laleye has authored five books, edited one, and contributed to two academic journals as editor. His scholarly output includes over 40 articles published in reputable journals across the globe. He has also participated in about 20 academic conferences held in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Philadelphia, and Ghana.

Prof, Laleye has demonstrated a deep commitment to professional collaboration and academic community-building, having been an active member of several learned societies, including the Philosophers Association of Nigeria (PAN), the Association of Professional Philosophers of Nigeria (APPON), the Social and Political Philosophers’ Academy of Nigeria (SPPAN), and the Concerned Philosophers for Peace (CPP), USA. He has also served as an editor, co-editor, and reviewer for leading journals.

He is a recipient of several notable honours, including the Late President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Award for his role in the eradication of Dracunculiasis in Nigeria, the Sokoto State Government Merit Award, and the 2019 Professor Luke Edungbola Commendation Award.

 A professor of Socio-Cultural History and Gender Studies, Victoria Kikelomo Olugbemi is ready to deliver the 40th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. The lecture, titled, “Nation Building in Nigeria: the Historical Intersections of Gender, Religion and Culture”, is billed for Tuesday, May 27, 2025. 

According to a statement by the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event. The lecture will take place in the University Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 2:00 pm, with guests urged to be seated by 1:30 pm.

Prof. (Mrs.) Olugbemi’s academic journey includes earning a Bachelor of Arts (Ed.) in History from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1990; a Master’s degree in History and International Studies, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in History and International Studies from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in 2004 and 2015, respectively.

Joining the University on January 1, 2001, as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of History and International Studies, Olugbemi ascended through the ranks, achieving the revered position of professor in 2021.

Prof. (Mrs.) Olugbemi has served the University at one time or another in over 30 capacities, including Head of Department, Director of University Advancement Office; Director of Women Studies and Development Centre, now Centre for Gender Studies and Development where she is currently serving as a Director; Chair of Fundraising Sub-Committee of the 25th Anniversary of AAUA.

She has attended several local and international conferences, including in Kenya and the Republic of Benin.

Prof. (Mrs.) Olugbemi’s academic career is evidenced by contributions to three books and editing of two, and over 25 articles in learned journals, while she has supervised four Dissertations.

She is a member of a number of professional bodies, including National Association for the Promotion of Arts and Social Sciences (NAPSASS); Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN); University Women Initiatives of Nigeria (UNIWIN); National Association of Women in Academics (NAWACS); American Studies Association of Nigeria (ASAN); and Association of Directors of Centre for Gender Studies in Nigeria.

A Professor of Environmental Chemistry, Nurudeen Oladoja, has called for repurpose of the nation’s science curriculum to include teaching and practice of Benign Chemistry in order to enable methodologies that would be deployed for a safer public health and sustainable environment, particularly in the area of safe ground water.

He made the call on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, while delivering the 39th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko. The lecture was titled, The Chemistry Beat: Harnessing Benign Reactions for Water Purification.

He described benign chemistry as, “Clean chemistry for sustainability which is generally known as ‘Green chemistry’. It is an emerging field of chemistry that deals with the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances, and where possible utilize renewable raw materials. It is concerned with the use of chemistry for improved environmental performance and primary pollution prevention instead of remediation.”

The Inaugural Lecturer stated that knowledge of clean chemistry would help reduce cases of various ailments including mottling of teeth, skeletal fluorosis, and crippling fluorosis, among others, caused by unsafe groundwater with high fluoride concentration.

According to him, “Different routes have been identified for fluoride ingestion for humans, but the ingestion through potable water has been estimated to be about sixty percent. Consequent upon the overdependence on groundwater as a drinking water resource in the developing world, and the negative impact of fluoride; strategic efforts are now focused on the development of simple and low-cost functional reactive materials that can effectively capture fluoride from the aqua stream.”

Prof. Oladoja, whose research and academic journey spans both national and global spaces, also posited that there is a need to reorientate researchers and practicing scientists on the need to focus on green approach to Chemistry for the benefits of nations and for the global sustainability agenda.

The Don also recommended special funding for research efforts that focused on benign chemistry to expand the scope and opportunities abounding in the application, as well as mass mobilization on the need for the use of existing technologies for water treatment.

He said, “Since Benign Chemistry is an emerging field of chemistry, a repurpose of our science curriculum at all levels of educational system is required to include the teaching and practice of Chemistry from the benign approach; there is a need to reorientate researchers and practicing scientists on the need to focus on green approach, not just for the benefits of the developing world but for the global sustainability agenda.”

Prof. Oladoja asserted that achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 6.1, which seeks universal access to safe and affordable potable water, would remain a hard nut to crack without the adoption of benign chemistry.

He stated, “Although the focus of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.1, established by the UN General Assembly in 2015, is to ensure unrestricted access to safe and low-cost potable water for all by the year 2030, the complexity of water and sanitation issues means they cannot be addressed in isolation. Given the central role of chemical sciences in all water and wastewater treatment processes, and their direct link to sanitation and human well-being, integrating benign chemistry is crucial for developing the appropriate technologies needed in under-resourced developing regions if SDG 6.1 is to be successfully realized.”

Speaking while presenting the Inaugural Lecturer, the Vice Chancellor and Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige; described the Inaugural Lecturer as an academic colossus who is well respected in environmental science circles, and a global authority in Environmental Chemistry whose pioneering contributions have elevated the stature of AAUA and resonated across the global scientific landscape.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the Lecturer has 117 scientific publications to his credit while his scholarship continues to shape discourse in his field. “Beyond the classroom and laboratory, Prof. Oladoja has served with distinction in key administrative and academic roles within and outside the university. His global influence is further underscored by prestigious appointments as a CAS-PIFI Visiting Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing (2019-2020), and at the Technical University of Munich, Germany (2013-2015), and at Universiti Sains Malaysia (2011).”

He added further, “His illustrious career is adorned with accolades such as the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship, which he won four times; the Chinese Academy of Sciences Presidential Fellowship, and grants from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund.

“In 2024, his global standing was cemented when he was ranked among the top two percent of scientists worldwide by the Stanford-Elsevier World Scientist Rankings – an honour that speaks volumes about the laudable research and relevance of his work.”