Olabisi Onabanjo University will on Tuesday, 14th November 2017 hold its 77th Inaugural Lecture entitled “Harnessing Microbial Metabolic Activities for National Development: A Matter of Life and Wealth” at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Lecture Theatre, Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye by 2.00pm.
The Lecture will be delivered by Professor Olugbenga Obajimi Adebawo, a Professor of Biochemistry under the distinguished Chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde.
Professor Olugbenga Obajimi Adebawo joined the services of Olabisi Onabanjo University (formerly Ogun State University) as an Assistant Lecturer in March 1984 and through diligence and commitment rose through the ranks to become a Professor In 2005.
Born on 26th of May 1955 at Ilishan-Remo in Ogun State of Nigeria, Professor Adebawo had his early education in Saint Barnaba’s Anglican Primary School, Ilishan-Remo between 1964-1967 where he obtained his primary school leaving certificate. In 1969, Professor Adebawo proceeded to Remo Divisional High School and Adventist Grammar School for his Secondary School education between 1969 and 1973. He later gained admission into the University of Benin in September 1976 and graduated from the University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. Professor Adebawo after the graduation proceeded for his National Youth Service at the Federal Polytechnic Idah, Benue State. Following his decision to specialize in an applied area of Biochemistry, Professor Adebawo enrolled at the University of Ibadan for Postgraduate Diploma in Food Technology in 1981 and completed it in 1982. Adebawo obtained a Federal Government Scholarship for his Master Degree Programme in Food Technology and completed it in 1983.
In March 1984, Professor Adebawo was appointed an Assistant Lecturer in the newly established Department of Biochemistry of the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University). In 1991, he obtained the European Economic Community (now European Union) Split Site Training Fellowship to complete the bench work for his Ph.D thesis at the Centre for Biotechnology (now Institute of Bioscience Cranfield University Bedfordshire, United Kingdom. He obtained his Ph.D degree in Food Technology in 1997
As a result of his diligence and commitment to scholarship, Professor Adebawo has had an enviable career progression. He moved from the position of an Assistant Lecturer to Lecturer II in 1988 and Lecturer I in 1997. He was promoted from Lecturer I to Senior Lecturer between 1994 and 1997. He became a reader in 2002 and a full Professor in 2005.
Since he joined the services of the University, Professor Adebawo has served in several capacities and is still serving the Universities among which include: member, Students Orientation Committee (1997 – 1999 & 2004-2006); Head, Department of Biochemistry (2002 – 2004, 2013 – 2014); Member, Board of Pre-Degree Science (2002-2004); Member, Task Force on Strategic Plan for Olabisi Onabanjo University (2003); Member, Board of Degree Foundation, College of Engineering (2005); Director, Centre for Sandwich Programmes (CESAP) (2005-2008); Senate Representative in Development Committee (2006-2008). Presently, he is a serving member of Admission Committee (2006-2009, 2014 to date); Member, Development Committee (2009; 2014 to date); Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (2009; 2014 to date); Member, Appointments and Promotions Committee (2007 – 2009; 2014 to date); Member, Committee of Provosts and Deans (2009, 2014 to date); Member, University Senate (2002 – 2009, 2013 to date) and Member, University Governing Council (2014 to date).
Professor Adebawo has also taught and served as External Examiner in various Universities among which are Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Babcock University Ilishan-Remo, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and University of Ado-Ekiti.
Adebawo is a member of some professional bodies like American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), Nigerian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB), Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, Institute of Public Analysts of Nigerian (IPAN} Nutrition Society of Nigeria.
He has several publications in national and International peer review Journals. His articles cover areas within his area of interest which is Biochemistry. To his credit, he has published 53 scholarly articles in reputable national and International Journals. Adebawo has taught various courses in Biochemistry at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to Biochemistry Basic Medical Sciences, Medical and Pharmacy students to date he has successfully supervised 10 M.Sc dissertations, supervised or co-supervised 8 Ph.D theses in addition to numerous undergraduate projects.
Professor Adebawo is happily married with responsible children.
The Inaugural lecture is expected to be graced by distinguished scholars, government functionaries, eminent personalities and well meaning Nigerians from all walks of life.
Niyi Oduwole
Deputy Registrar, Corporate Affairs Division
