Professor Olatunde Adeshola Adepoju  Ph.D.
Governing Council Chairman, Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti

Professor Adeshola Olatunde Adepoju is a distinguished scholar, renowned environmentalist, and accomplished public servant with an outstanding record of leadership in Nigeria’s forestry and environmental management sector. He is a Professor of Agricultural Economics and Environmental Resources Management, widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to forestry research, biodiversity conservation, and environmental policy at both national and global levels.

He served as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) from 2015 to April 2023, where he led far-reaching institutional reforms and transformative initiatives that strengthened forestry research, training, and sustainable environmental practices across the country.

Professor Adepoju holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural/Environmental Economics, a Master’s degree in Agricultural Production, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, all from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. His academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and capacity development in natural resource management.

Prior to his appointment as Director-General of FRIN, he held several strategic academic and administrative positions, including Crop Production Manager at SIMTU Agricultural Enterprises Ltd; Head of Rural Enterprises Development at the Leventis Foundation Agricultural Training School, Kaduna; Head of Department, Agricultural Extension and Management at the Federal College of Forestry, Jos; Liaison Officer and Budget Coordinator for FRIN; and Provost of the Federal College of Forestry, Jos.

In recognition of his leadership and vast experience in public administration and environmental governance, he was appointed Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti in 2024, a position in which he continues to provide strategic direction and oversight toward institutional growth and academic excellence.

During his tenure at FRIN, Professor Adepoju recorded remarkable achievements. He played a pivotal role in the enactment of the FRIN Act of 2018, which strengthened the legal framework for forestry research and education in Nigeria. He championed major infrastructural and technological advancements, including the digitalization of one of West Africa’s largest herbariums, the establishment of a central laboratory, and the construction of an international conference facility. He also expanded the institute’s reach through the establishment of new research outstations and specialized colleges across different ecological zones.

A globally respected voice in environmental governance, Professor Adepoju served as Chair of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (2020–2023), becoming the first African to occupy the position. Under his leadership, Nigeria secured the designation of additional UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, significantly boosting conservation efforts and protecting vast forest ecosystems.

His contributions extend to climate change mitigation, afforestation, and sustainable resource utilization. He coordinated national afforestation initiatives and promoted innovative solutions such as waste-to-wealth programmes, including the establishment of a wood-plastic polymer production facility.

Professor Adepoju has also demonstrated exceptional capacity in attracting international funding and partnerships, securing substantial grants from global organizations to support environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation initiatives.

Beyond his academic and administrative accomplishments, he is a respected traditional title holder and was conferred with the prestigious title of Asiwaju of Ogbomosho Land in 2025, reflecting his widespread recognition, influence, and contributions to community development and national service.

He has served in various national and institutional leadership roles, including advisory positions to the Federal Ministry of Environment and membership of governing councils of reputable tertiary institutions.

In recognition of his outstanding service, he has received numerous honours and awards, including the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award, as well as multiple distinctions for excellence in public service and research leadership. He is a Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Forestry Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists, and the Wildlife Society of Nigeria.

As Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, Professor Adepoju brings his wealth of experience, visionary leadership, and commitment to sustainable development to bear in guiding the institution toward academic excellence, innovation, and global relevance.