By Tolulope Eniola
A distinguished scholar in Organic Chemistry, Prof. Adebisi Olonisakin, will deliver the 57th inaugural lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
The lecture, titled “Nature’s Pharmacy: Unlocking the Secrets of Plant Secondary Metabolites,” will take place at the University Multipurpose Hall, beginning at 2:00 p.m., with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.
According to a statement issued by the Chairman of Ceremonies and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will preside over the academic event.
Prof. Olonisakin, a seasoned academic in the Department of Chemical Sciences, is widely recognised for his contributions to research in organic chemistry, particularly in the study of plant-derived compounds and their applications.
His academic journey began at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, where he obtained a Bachelor of Technology (Hons) degree in 1994.
He proceeded to the University of Ibadan for a Master of Science degree in Organic Chemistry in 1999 and later earned his PhD in the same field from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2007.
He joined the services of Adekunle Ajasin University in 2011 as a Senior Lecturer and rose to the rank of Professor in 2018.
Over the years, he has demonstrated strong administrative and leadership capacity, serving in various roles including Acting Head of the Department of Chemical Sciences, Sub-Dean of the Postgraduate School, Director of the General Studies Unit, and Acting Director of the Centre for Diploma and Pre-Degree Studies.
In addition, he has chaired several strategic committees within the university, such as the Student Union Election Committee, the Technical Committee on Admissions, and the Internal Assessment and Evaluation Committee.
A prolific researcher, Prof. Olonisakin has authored 61 scholarly articles, with additional works currently under review. He has also presented papers at 21 conferences across Nigeria and abroad, including engagements in Ghana and India.
Beyond AAUA, he has contributed significantly to academia as an External Examiner for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in several Nigerian universities, including 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 academic promotions and as a reviewer for reputable scientific journals both locally and internationally.
His academic excellence has earned him several research grants and fellowships, including the AAUA Research Grants (2012–2013, 2024–2025), the TETFund Research Grant (2018–2019), and the NSUK-ETF Research Grant (2010–2011).
He was also a recipient of a prestigious fellowship from The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Italy, hosted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India, between 2013 and 2014.
Furthermore, he participated in the Pan-African Chemistry Network Congress held in Accra, Ghana, under the sponsorship of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, in 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.
The inaugural lecture is expected to draw academics, researchers, students, and members of the public, offering insights into the vast potential of plant-based compounds in modern science and medicine.
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