Preparations have been concluded for the 65th inaugural lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, as Prof. Olawole Oluwasuji, a distinguished scholar in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, prepares to deliver the landmark lecture on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Prof. Oluwasuji, whose academic specialisation lies in Political Economy and Development Studies, will speak on the thought-provoking topic: “Nigeria’s Fragile Economy: Removing the Contours and Roadblocks to Sustainable Development.” The lecture promises to dissect the structural vulnerabilities of the Nigerian economy, exploring policy inconsistencies, institutional weaknesses, and developmental bottlenecks, while proffering actionable pathways toward resilience and long-term growth.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the then Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) in 1997. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Political Science with a focus on Public Administration in 2002. He later capped his formal education with a PhD in Political Science (specialising in Political Economy and Development Studies) from Kogi State University, Anyigba, in 2017.

Prof. Oluwasuji joined Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in 2003 as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Public Administration. Through dedication and scholarly output, he steadily climbed the academic ladder, earning promotion to the rank of Prof. in 2024.

Over the years, he has served the university in various capacities, including Acting Head of the Department of Public Administration, Chairman of the Faculty of Administration and Management Sciences Project Committee, Chairman of the Faculty of Education’s Investigation Panel on Examination Misconduct, and Postgraduate School Representative for his faculty.

A prolific researcher and author, Prof. Oluwasuji has made significant contributions to knowledge. He has co-authored two books, authored 32 journal articles, and contributed chapters to 13 edited academic volumes. His research spans political economy, governance, public sector reforms, and sustainable development. He is also an active participant in local and international academic conferences. Notably, he presented a paper at the Second Outstanding African Thinkers Conference held in Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin, where his work received commendation from peers.

Beyond the walls of his home institution, Prof. Oluwasuji has served as a Postgraduate External Examiner at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. He has also held visiting academic positions, including Visiting Prof. at Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, and Visiting Reader at both Landmark University, Omu-Aran, and Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan. These cross-institutional roles have enriched his pedagogical approach and broadened his scholarly network. He maintains active membership in the National Association of Political Science (NAPS) and doubles as a facilitator with the Association of Public Administration Researchers (ASPAR), where he regularly mentors emerging scholars and contributes to policy dialogue.

In a statement released by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, it was confirmed that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the occasion.

The inaugural lecture is scheduled to hold at the University Multipurpose Hall, with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 pm. The main lecture will commence promptly at 2:00 pm.