Dean's Profile

Professor Adejoke Olukemi Akinyele is a prominent figure in the field of forestry, serving as a Professor in the Department of Forest Production and Products at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She holds the distinction of being the first female Dean of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources at the University of Ibadan, a testament to her trailblazing role in academia and her commitment to advancing sustainable practices in natural resource management.

Professor Akinyele is deeply involved in teaching and mentoring at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her expertise spans various aspects of forestry, including Principles of Silviculture, Forest Genetics & Tree Improvement, Forest Nutrient Relations, and Soil-Plant Relationships in Agroforestry. Her dedication to education is reflected in her extensive contributions to curriculum development and student mentorship, having supervised over 80 students through their academic journeys.

Throughout her career, Professor Akinyele has taken on numerous leadership roles within the University of Ibadan. She has served as the coordinator of the Departmental Distance Learning Programme and the Sub-Dean for Undergraduate Studies in Forestry. She has also contributed significantly to various committees, including the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry Socials and Colloquium Committee, the Faculty Boardroom Fundraising Committee, and the Agro Impact Projects Empowerment Initiative.

Beyond her work at the University of Ibadan, Professor Akinyele has gained international recognition. She was a visiting scientist at the University of Florida's School of Forestry and Conservation and is a member of the United States International Exchange Alumni through the Norman E. Borlaug Fellowship Program. Her global academic network includes associations with prestigious programs such as BioVision, the Netherlands Fellowship Programme, and the Commonwealth Academic Fellowship. Her research and professional engagements have taken her to numerous countries, enhancing her global perspective on forestry and environmental management.

Professor Akinyele is actively involved in several professional organizations, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field of forestry. She is a member of the Forestry Association of Nigeria, the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), the country’s alternate representative for the International Union of Forestry Research Organisations (IUFRO), and the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), among others. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous fellowships and awards, underscoring her influence in the scientific community.

An accomplished scholar, Professor Akinyele has published widely, contributing to books, academic journals, and conference proceedings. Her research focuses on sustainable forestry practices, forest genetics, and agroforestry, among other areas. Her work continues to impact both the academic world and practical forestry management, making her a leading voice in her field.