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

…Don to deliver lecture April 7 at Akungba campus

All arrangements have been concluded for a distinguished scholar of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Professor Dominic Odedeyi, to deliver the 58th inaugural lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State.

The lecture, entitled “From Creation to Cultivation: Enhancing Fish Biology for Humanity”, is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, at the university’s Multipurpose Hall.

In a statement, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Ceremonies, Professor Adebisi Daramola, confirmed that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, will preside over the event. 

The lecture is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.

Professor Odedeyi’s academic journey commenced in 1985, when he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Ilorin. He earned a Master of Agricultural Technology degree in Fisheries and Wildlife from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 1997, and completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Fisheries at the same institution in 2009.

He joined Adekunle Ajasin University in 2001 as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology and has since risen steadily through the ranks, becoming a Professor in 2018.

Professor Odedeyi has demonstrated considerable administrative ability in various roles over the years. These include Acting Head of Department, Head of Department, Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Director of the Centre for Pre-Degree Studies, Chairman of the Departmental Fish Farm Committee, and Coordinator of the Faculty of Science Entrepreneurship programme, among others.

A recognised researcher, Professor Odedeyi has authored one book, contributed to three others, and has 39 publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. He has also attended and presented papers at numerous local and international conferences, including events in Nigeria, Ghana, Malaysia, and Scotland.

His professional experience beyond his home university includes serving as an External Examiner in the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. He also worked as a Fisheries Officer with the Ondo State Agricultural Development Project, Akure, and currently serves as an External Assessor in the Department of Pure and Applied Biology at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.

In recognition of his contributions to the academic community, Professor Odedeyi was awarded the Ondo State Agricultural Development Project Certificate of Merit in 2001 and received an international fellowship from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2000.

He holds membership of several professional bodies, including the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), the Fisheries Society of the British Isles (FSBI), the Zoological Society of Nigeria (ZSN), and the Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP).

…pushes for expanded laboratories, botanical gardens and strategic research to harness Nigeria’s rich plant resources for healthcare and economic growth

An organic chemist at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Professor Adebisi Olonisakin, has charged the government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen investment in research that explores the known and undiscovered health and industrial potentials of plant secondary metabolites, in order for Africa to evolve organic, home-grown methods of tackling health challenges if it must preserve its population and safeguard its economy.

He made the call on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, while delivering the university’s 57th inaugural lecture titled “Nature’s Pharmacy: Unlocking the Secrets of Plant Secondary Metabolites.”

He further advocated sustainable governance principles, the encouragement of conservation efforts and clubs, the establishment of botanical gardens, biotechnology research units, approval of complementary herbal medicine, and the provision of laboratory infrastructure and central analytical facilities as avenues to maximising the benefits of nature.

Prof. Olonisakin posited that “secondary metabolites are nature’s valuable compounds that have contributed significantly to human well-being, safety, and economic activities. These compounds have been a rich source of medicines, food additives, and other valuable products. Their diverse biological activities and potential applications make them an important area of research, offering new opportunities for improving human health and quality of life.”

He added that “the isolation of secondary metabolites from plants has led to the discovery of numerous bioactive compounds with potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and other industries. These compounds have shown promising results, making them attractive candidates for further research and development in order to uncover more of nature’s hidden treasures.”

Professor Olonisakin explained that secondary metabolites are natural compounds found in the leaves, roots, bark, and seeds of plants, which protect them from insects and infections. He added that scientists study these plant chemicals to produce drugs for treating illnesses.

While affirming that nature can be seen as a pharmacy because it provides healing substances, the organic chemist urged students and researchers to pay attention to local plants, noting that Nigeria is blessed with many medicinal plants whose properties are yet to be fully discovered and utilised to improve healthcare and boost the country’s economy.

Prof. Olonisakin noted that mosquito-borne viral diseases such as malaria continue to pose significant global health challenges, with increasing resistance of mosquitoes to conventional insecticides. This, he said, has created an urgent need for alternative vector-control strategies through further research and development of plant secondary metabolites.

He, however, stressed the need for intentional scientific research into beneficial and safe plant-derived compounds, noting that genetic and environmental factors significantly influence the efficacy and chemical composition of plant secondary metabolites.

The chemist highlighted some of the challenges associated with secondary metabolites research, including complicated extraction processes, low yields of secondary metabolites in source plants, compound instability, structural diversity, demanding purification techniques, and limitations in analytical techniques.

To address these challenges, Prof. Olonisakin called on the Nigerian government to adopt integrated management principles that include responsibility, scale matching, precaution, adaptive management, full cost allocation, and stakeholder participation. He added that large-scale botanical gardens should be established in all Nigerian states to conserve and manage useful plants effectively.

He also urged relevant stakeholders to encourage the establishment of conservation awareness groups and clubs from primary schools to universities, as well as across local communities.

While presenting the inaugural lecturer, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, described Prof. Olonisakin as a distinguished scholar whose work sits at the intersection of tradition and science, as well as nature and human well-being. 

He commended him for his unwavering commitment to solution-driven research that advances knowledge within the university and benefits society at large.

Popular medical doctor, Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

In a statement released on Friday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Dr Ikubese congratulated Muslim brothers and sisters on concluding a period characterised by fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

He noted that Eid-el-Fitr represents a season rooted in thanksgiving to Allah and the celebration of discipline, charity, compassion, unity and renewed faith, all of which were demonstrated during the fasting period.

According to him, the values imbibed during Ramadan should not be confined to the holy month but sustained in daily living for the overall benefit of humanity.

Dr Ikubese therefore urged Muslims to continue reflecting these virtues in their personal and communal lives, stressing the importance of fostering harmony and compassion within society.

He also expressed hope that the Eid celebration would usher in divine blessings in every home, bringing peace, joy and spiritual fulfilment to families.

The statement concluded with goodwill wishes to Muslim faithful as they celebrate the festival, with Dr Ikubese praying for continued blessings and unity among adherents.

…calls for tolerance, academic focus, and sustained peace within university community

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has extended his warm felicitations to the Muslim community, staff, and students of the university on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

In a message released by the University’s Information, Protocol and Public Relations Unit, Prof. Ige congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan. 

He described the festival as a symbol of spiritual renewal, sacrifice, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah.

Prof. Ige emphasised that the virtues of self-discipline, charity, and compassion, which are deeply entrenched in the teachings of Ramadan, should extend beyond the month and be reflected in the daily lives of all staff and students. 

He urged members of the university community to use the occasion to foster greater understanding, tolerance, and unity among people of all faiths.

“As we celebrate this significant day, I call on all staff and students to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan—patience, piety, and perseverance. These are the values that build character and strengthen our university community,” the Vice Chancellor stated.

The VC further encouraged students to remain focused on their academic pursuits and to shun any act capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the institution. 

Prof. Ige reassured the university community of the management’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a conducive environment for learning, research, and character development.

While wishing the Muslim faithful a happy and peaceful Eid celebration, Prof. Ige prayed that the blessings of the season translate into progress and success for the entire Adekunle Ajasin University community.

He also prayed for the continued peace and development of the state and the nation.

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

Information, Protocol and Public Relations Unit/Head, Radio AAUA 90.3FM Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

A distinguished researcher in the field of Organic Chemistry, Prof. Adebisi Olonisakin, is set to deliver the 57th inaugural lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

The lecture, entitled “Nature’s Pharmacy: Unlocking the Secrets of Plant Secondary Metabolites,” is scheduled to hold at the University Multipurpose Hall.

In a statement, the Chairman of Ceremonies and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, confirmed that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event. The lecture is slated for 2:00 p.m., while guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.

Prof. Olonisakin’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Technology (Hons) degree from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 1994. He obtained a Master of Science degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Ibadan in 1999 and completed his PhD in Organic Chemistry at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2007.

He joined the staff of Adekunle Ajasin University in 2011 as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Sciences and has since risen through the ranks to become a Professor in 2018. His administrative competence has been demonstrated through various roles within the institution. 

These include Acting Head of the Department of Chemical Sciences; Sub-Dean of the Postgraduate School; Director of the General Studies Unit; Acting Director of the Centre for Diploma and Pre-Degree Studies; and Chairman of the Student Union Election Committee, the Technical Committee on Admissions, and the Internal Assessment and Evaluation Committee, among others.

A prolific academic, he has authored 61 published research articles, with three others currently under review. He has also attended and presented papers at 21 conferences, both locally and internationally, including in Ghana and India.

Prof. Olonisakin’s experience outside Adekunle Ajasin University includes serving as an External Examiner for M.Sc., PhD, and undergraduate programmes in the Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Sciences at several Nigerian universities. 

These include the Federal University of Technology, Akure; Achievers University, Owo; Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Bowen University, Iwo; and the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo. He has also served as an External Assessor for Reader and Professor positions in many Nigerian universities, as well as a reviewer for both national and international scientific journals.

A testament to his academic distinction, the don has received several grants and postdoctoral fellowships. These include the AAUA Research Grant (2012–2013, 2024–2025); the TETFund Research Grant (2018–2019); the NSUK-ETF Research Grant (2010–2011); and a fellowship from The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Italy, hosted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India (2013–2014). He also participated in the Pan-African Chemistry Network Congress in Accra, Ghana, sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge (2017).

Prof. Olonisakin is a member of several professional bodies, including the Science Association of Nigeria, the Chemical Society of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, the Society of Essential Oils Distillers and Analysts of Nigeria, and the Royal Society of Chemistry.