Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji has made history in Nigerian academia as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). A highly accomplished biochemist, scholar, and academic leader, her career reflects a lifelong dedication to excellence in research, education, and institutional development.
Academic and Professional Background
Professor Oladiji is a seasoned academic with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, and university administration. She began her academic career at the University of Ilorin, where she steadily rose through the ranks, holding several strategic positions including:
Head of Department
Dean of the Faculty of Science
Chair of numerous university committees
Her academic journey is rooted in her alma mater, the University of Ilorin, where she earned all her degrees in Biochemistry:
BSc in Biochemistry (with first-class honours)
MSc in Biochemistry
PhD in Biochemistry
Appointment as Vice-Chancellor of FUTA
On May 23, 2022, Professor Oladiji assumed office as the 8th Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, succeeding Professor Joseph Fuwape. Her appointment was not only a testament to her outstanding academic credentials but also a groundbreaking moment, as she became the first woman to occupy the position since FUTA’s establishment in 1981.
Her leadership ushered in a new era of innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence at FUTA—one of Nigeria’s foremost universities of technology.
Research and Academic Contributions
A prolific scholar, Professor Oladiji has made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, with particular focus on:
Nutritional biochemistry
Phytomedicine
Oxidative stress and antioxidants
Biochemical toxicology
She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications, many of which appear in reputable international journals. Her research work has been instrumental in advancing knowledge in health and nutritional sciences, particularly in relation to plant-based therapies and food biochemistry.
Recognitions and Fellowships
Her academic excellence and leadership have earned her several professional honors, including:
Fellow, Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS)
Fellow, Nigerian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (FNSBMB)
Fellow, Institute of Biomedical Science (FIBMS), UK
She is also a member of numerous national and international academic bodies and serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for several scientific journals.
Vision and Impact at FUTA
Since taking office, Professor Oladiji has emphasized:
STEM innovation
Gender equity
Research-driven education
University-industry collaboration
Infrastructure development and digital transformation
Her tenure is marked by efforts to deepen FUTA’s global partnerships while improving internal systems, staff welfare, and student development.
Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji represents the pinnacle of intellectual brilliance, visionary leadership, and gender progress in Nigeria’s academic space. As the first female Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, she is not only shaping the future of science and technology education but also inspiring a new generation of women in academia and leadership.
Her story is one of dedication, excellence, and breaking barriers, and her legacy will continue to influence the Nigerian academic community for years to come.
