FUTA’s Prof. Folasade Olajuyigbe Emerges National Chair of OWSD Nigeria

Professor Folasade Olajuyigbe, a prominent researcher and Director of the Julius Okojie Central Research Laboratory at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has been elected as the National Chairperson of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Nigeria Chapter.

Her emergence followed a tightly contested election held on July 9, 2025, during the 7th Biennial OWSD Nigeria Conference hosted by FUTA. The voting process, conducted via the OpaVote platform, was supervised by the OWSD Secretariat based in Trieste, Italy.

Olajuyigbe garnered 368 out of the 551 total votes, outpacing two other candidates to clinch the top position.

An acclaimed academic, Prof. Olajuyigbe is a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar and conducted her fellowship at Rutgers University, New Jersey between 2017 and 2018. She is a distinguished member of several professional bodies including the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, Network of Nigerian Women in STEM, the Nigerian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

Currently leading the Enzyme and Environmental Biotechnology Research Group at FUTA, she oversees a well-equipped laboratory that supports cutting-edge research in molecular biology, enzymology, environmental bioremediation, and enzyme biotechnology. She is also a two-time recipient of the prestigious Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future Fellowship.

Reacting to her election, FUTA Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, described it as a recognition of Olajuyigbe’s “immense scholarly contributions and tireless efforts in advancing the participation of women and girls in science across Nigeria and the African continent.”

She added, “Your track record of excellence makes you more than qualified for this leadership role. I am confident OWSD Nigeria will witness remarkable progress under your watch.”