LAUTECH DVC, professor of plant taxonomy, Ogunkunle, to deliver 76th inaugural lecture today
pannigeriannews
4 min read
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management and Operations) of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Professor Adepoju Tunde Joseph Ogunkunle, will on Thursday, October 22, deliver the university’s 76th inaugural lecture, focusing on the importance of taxonomy in understanding and managing biological diversity.
The lecture, titled “Making Sense Out of Chaos: Taxonomy as a Universal ‘Digestive System’ Amidst Plentiful Harvest but Few Workers,” is scheduled to hold at the Great Hall of the University at 12 noon, under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rasaq Olatunde ROM Kalilu.
The lecture is expected to examine how taxonomy helps scientists identify, classify and intperpret biological diversity, as well as the challenges of harnessing abundant natural resources amid limited human capacity.
Professor Ogunkunle, an accomplished scholar of Plant Taxonomy, researcher, environmental consultant and university administrator, has built a career spanning teaching, scientific research, institutional leadership and public service.
He joined LAUTECH in 1994 as an Assistant Lecturer and rose through the academic ranks to become Professor of Plant Taxonomy in 2014. His research focuses on systematic botany, particularly the anatomy and taxonomy of angiosperms, or flowering plants.
His scholarly interests also cover biodiversity conservation, medicinal plants, herbal medicine, traditional herbal formulations and the sustainable utilisation of Nigerian hardwoods for pulp and paper production.
He has published about 60 articles in peer-reviewed national and international journals and supervised more than 200 undergraduate projects and approximately 20 postgraduate research works in plant systematics, medicinal plants, public health, herbal medicine, biodiversity conservation and related fields.
His academic career has extended beyond LAUTECH. He taught Biology and Botany at Bowen University, Iwo, and served as a Professor of Botany at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, during a sabbatical appointment.
Professor Ogunkunle obtained a Bachelor of Science Education degree in Biology with First Class Honours from the University of Ilorin in 1987. During his National Youth Service Corps programme in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, he received the Chairman’s Honours Award.
He subsequently earned a Master of Science degree in Botany from the University of Ilorin in 1990 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Plant Taxonomy in 2007. His doctoral thesis was adjudged by the National Universities Commission as the best in Biological Sciences in Nigeria for 2006.
He also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science from LAUTECH in 2002 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology from the Redeemed Christian Bible College, Lagos, in 2011.
Beyond teaching and research, he has contributed to environmental assessment and consultancy. His engagements over the past decade have included Environmental Impact Assessments, Post-Impact Assessments, vegetation assessments and biodiversity studies for the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Ministry of Environment.
His administrative experience at LAUTECH includes service as acting Head of Department, Deputy Dean and Dean of the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Chairman of the Environmental Management Committee, Chairman of the Committee of Provosts and Deans, and Director of Postgraduate Professional Programmes.
He also represented the university’s Congregation on its Governing Council from 2010 to 2014 and Nigerian universities on the Board of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board from 2013 to 2015.
Professor Ogunkunle served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategy and Development) from August 2024 to July 2026 before assuming office as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management and Operations) on August 1, 2026.
His contributions to institutional development and professional service have attracted several commendations. In 2019, LAUTECH management commended him for his diligence in executing an assignment on Gender Mainstreaming and Policy for the university.
In 2025, the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation recognised him for professional and ethical compliance and quality service to citizens. On April 13, 2026, the University’s Governing Council also commended him for his dedication to institutional growth and the well-being of staff and students.
His public service experience dates to 1990, when he was elected councillor representing Ward 10 in the then Ifedapo Local Government Area of Oyo State, a position he held until 1993.
He was ordained a Special Apostle of Christ of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in 2012 by the then Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Unification Worldwide, His Most Eminence, Most Elder Apostle Prophet Dr Solomon Adegboyega Alao.
He is a member of the Botanical Society of Nigeria, the World Society for Interdisciplinary Anti-Aging Medicine, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria and the Society for Medicinal Plants and Economic Development. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria.
Born on October 26, 1963, in Tede, in the present-day Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State, Professor Ogunkunle attended Saint Mary Catholic Primary School, Tede, and Community High School, Sepeteri, before proceeding to St. Andrew’s College of Education, Oyo.
He is married to Mrs Funmilayo Oyeladun Ogunkunle, and their union is blessed with four children.
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