AAUA Microbiology Professor Olajubu to Deliver 54th Inaugural Lecture

By Precious Oluwole

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), is set to host its 54th inaugural lecture as a Distinguished Professor of Medical Microbiology and Public Health, Prof. Festus Olajubu, prepares to take the centre stage of academic discourse on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The inaugural lecture, titled “The Unwinnable War Against Antimicrobial Resistance: Nature to the Rescue,” will be held at the University Multipurpose Hall. Proceedings are scheduled to commence at 2:00 pm, while invited guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 pm.

In a statement released ahead of the event, the Chairman of Ceremonies and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, confirmed that the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will preside over the lecture. The event is expected to draw members of the academic community, health professionals, researchers, students, and stakeholders in public health and biomedical sciences.

The lecture will focus on the growing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance, a phenomenon widely regarded as one of the most pressing public health threats of the 21st century.

Through his presentation, Prof. Olajubu is expected to explore scientific insights into the limitations of current antimicrobial strategies while highlighting nature-based solutions and innovative research pathways for combating resistant pathogens.

Prof. Olajubu’s academic career spans nearly four decades, beginning in 1987 when he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye, now known as Olabisi Onabanjo University.

He proceeded to earn a Master of Science degree in Medical Microbiology from the same institution in 2000 before completing his PhD in Medical Microbiology and Public Health at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in 2010.

He joined Adekunle Ajasin University in 2011 as a Lecturer I in the Department of Microbiology and steadily rose through the academic ranks, attaining the position of Professor in 2020. His rise reflects years of dedicated teaching, research, mentorship, and service to the university community.

Within AAUA, Prof. Olajubu has held several strategic academic and administrative positions. These include Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Acting Head of the Department of Microbiology, Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Science, Chairman of the Faculty of Science Quality Assurance Committee, Acting Director of the Industrial Training Unit, and Acting Director of Research and Development. Through these roles, he has contributed significantly to academic governance, research development, and quality assurance within the institution.

A seasoned researcher and scholar, Prof. Olajubu has contributed to two published books and authored over 50 scholarly articles in reputable local and international journals.

He has also presented research findings at numerous conferences across the globe, including in Canada, France, Germany, India, Malaysia, and the United States, further strengthening AAUA’s global academic footprint.

He is an active member of several professional bodies, including the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM), Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Nigerian Society for Microbial Ecology (NSME), Nigerian Biological Safety Association (NiBSA), and the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID).

Beyond membership, Prof. Olajubu holds fellowships with the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science and the Nigerian Society of Microbial Ecology. He is also an International Federation of Biological Associations Certified Professional (IFBA-CP) and serves as an appointed mentor under the American Society for Microbiology Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship.

Outside the university environment, he currently serves as the South-West Coordinator of the Nigerian Biological Safety Association, a reviewer for numerous local and international academic journals, and an external assessor for several Nigerian universities.

In recognition of his outstanding scholarly contributions and research excellence, Prof. Olajubu has received several awards and grants. These include the National Award of Excellence from the National Association of Medical Scientists (NAMS) in 2019, a TETFund Institution-Based Research Grant in 2015, Europa Organization Africa Travel Scholarship in 2016, Keystone Symposia Travel Grant in 2017, and a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Travel Grant in 2018.

The 54th inaugural lecture is expected to further underscore Adekunle Ajasin University’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, and thought leadership in addressing critical global health challenges.