A Professor of Parasitology at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Olusegun Matthew Akanbi, is set to deliver the 33rd Inaugural Lecture of the Institution.
A statement by the Chairman of Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, confirmed that the 33rd Inaugural lecture will hold on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
The lecture, titled, “Small but Mighty to Pull down the Mightier: The Menace of Malaria Parasite”, will commence by 2:00 PM in the University Multipurpose Hall, while guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 PM.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the lecture.
Prof. Akanbi obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology (Parasitology) from the University of Calabar in the year 1994, followed by a Master in Cellular Parasitology from the University of Ibadan in the year 1997, and a PhD in Parasitology from the same Institution in 2007.
He also attended Certificate courses in Ethical Issues in International Health Research, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA (2007); and Certificate in Advanced Course in Novel Vaccination Strategies at the Scuola Superiore D’Immunologia, Italy (2013).
Prof. Akanbi joined the services of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, as an Assistant Lecturer in January 2004 and rose through the ranks to attain the status of Professor in October 2018.
Prof. Akanbi has held over 20 leadership roles, including as Acting Head of Department, Acting Director, and Sub-Dean.
He was Acting Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, as well as Centre for Diploma and Pre-Degree Studies, Sub-Dean of Faculty of Science and he is presently the Dean of Student Affairs and the University Chaplain.
A sought-after speaker and participant at several national and international conferences and workshops, Prof. Akanbi also belongs to several professional bodies including being a member of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, and Member, British Society for Parasitology.
The Inaugural Lecturer is credited with the publication of 32 research papers that have been published, quoted and referenced in rated national and global journals, and has won several awards, including the Best Dean of the Year Award, 2024.
Prof. Akanbi has also won several grants, scholarships, and prizes including the IOCD Travel Fellowship (European Union), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Travel Fellowship (UK), Harvard School of Public Health Scholarship (USA), Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Travel Scholarship (London), multilateral Initiative for Malaria Travel Fellowship (Kenya), and TETFund National Research Fund Grant.
