The University of Ibadan (UI) has appointed Professor Olumide Ephraim Olajide as the new Head of the Department of Adult Education, Faculty of Education, bringing to the position more than two decades of teaching, research and academic leadership experience.
A distinguished scholar in adult education and community development, Professor Olajide obtained all his academic qualifications, Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), from the University of Ibadan.
He began his academic career at the institution as an Assistant Lecturer and rose through the ranks to become a Professor, building a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.
Professor Olajide’s research focuses on adult education and community development, with particular emphasis on public policy, gender, community health, poverty alleviation, social capital, income-generating activities and community participation.
His scholarly work has explored sustainable community development strategies through women empowerment, youth development, media, tourism, cooperative societies, micro-credit schemes and community-driven development initiatives.
He has published more than 75 articles in reputable national and international journals, with many of his studies highlighting the effectiveness of group savings, cooperative learning and participatory approaches in promoting sustainable development.
Also, Professor Olajide has held several strategic academic and administrative positions. He is the Pioneer Director of Academic Planning at Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUED), Oyo, and has served as Sub-Dean (Undergraduate), Head of the Community Development Unit, Departmental Postgraduate Coordinator and Examination Officer in the Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan.
He also serves as the Senate Representative on the Board of the Distance Learning Centre and is a member of the University of Ibadan Senate. In addition, he chairs the University’s Intra-Campus Transport Committee.
Professor Olajide belongs to several professional bodies, including the International Association of Community Development (IACD), Scotland; the Community Development Association (CDA), Colombia; the Association for Sustainable Development and Communities Integration of Nigeria (ASDCIN); and the Nigerian National Council for Adult and Non-Formal Education (NNCAE).
He has served as an internal and external examiner for universities within and outside Nigeria and has presented scholarly papers at international conferences, including those organised by the International Association of Community Development and the International Conference for Academic Disciplines at Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.
A consultant to several non-governmental organisations and labour unions, Professor Olajide has also served on the editorial boards of numerous academic journals in Nigeria and abroad.
His international academic exposure has taken him to the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Angola, Botswana, Ghana and the Republic of Benin for conferences, research collaborations and professional engagements.
Outside the classroom, Professor Olajide remains actively involved in grassroots community development and serves as an executive member of his Community Development Association.
His appointment is expected to strengthen the Department of Adult Education’s commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, community engagement and the training of professionals equipped to address contemporary development challenges.
