Kwara State University (KWASU) proudly announces the appointment of Professor Olawale Moshood Aliyu as the new Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies.
Professor Aliyu, a Professor of Genetics & Plant Breeding, is set to bring his extensive expertise and leadership to the fore, bolstering the institution’s commitment to advancing research and postgraduate education.
Professor Aliyu’s academic odyssey is both inspiring and exemplary. A full professor since 2016, his journey in academia is marked with notable contributions and prestigious positions. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Director of Research and Development at KWASU, a role in which he significantly influenced the university’s research landscape.
His tenure at KWASU began even before his official full-time engagement in 2012, during which he generously dedicated two years to the institution as an adjunct senior lecturer pro bono.
Professor Aliyu’s expertise is deeply rooted in agricultural sciences, particularly in Genetics and Plant Breeding. His academic and professional pursuits have seen him occupy several pivotal roles.
Notably, he was a research scientist with the Apomixis Research Group within the Department of Cytogenetics and Genome Analysis at the Institute for Plant Genetics and Cultivated Crop Plant Research (IPK) in Germany from 2010 to 2012. This international experience enriched his research acumen and broadened his scientific perspectives.
In Nigeria, his contributions have been equally significant. He served as a technical adviser to the National Cashew Association of Nigeria and held key positions within the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan. As the Head of the Crop Improvement Division and leader of the Cashew Research Programme, Professor Aliyu played a crucial role in advancing agricultural research and development in the country.
Professor Aliyu’s leadership prowess is well-documented. He has previously served as the Head of the Department and the Provost of the College of Agriculture at KWASU. These roles have equipped him with the administrative and strategic skills necessary to lead the School of Postgraduate Studies.
His predecessor, Professor Moshood Mahmood Jimba, now the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, leaves a legacy of excellence and progress. Professor Aliyu is poised to build on this foundation, ushering in a new era of innovation and academic distinction.
As the new Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Aliyu envisions a future where KWASU stands at the forefront of research and postgraduate education in Nigeria and beyond. His multifaceted experience and passion for academic excellence will undoubtedly inspire faculty and students alike, fostering an environment of intellectual rigor and groundbreaking research.
Under his leadership, the School of Postgraduate Studies is set to witness transformative growth, with a renewed focus on interdisciplinary research, international collaborations, and the development of cutting-edge academic programmes.
Source: KWASU