The Senate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has formally ratified the election of Professor Matthew Olusoji Ilori, FAS, as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research). Professor Ilori succeeds Professor Bolanle Oboh, whose distinguished tenure concluded earlier this week. This appointment marks a significant transition in the university’s executive leadership, placing a seasoned researcher and administrator at the helm of its academic and research portfolio.
Professor Ilori’s elevation to this role is seen as a strategic move to further consolidate UNILAG’s standing as a research-intensive institution, leveraging his extensive international fellowships and administrative experience to drive the university’s "Future-Ready" agenda.
ACADEMIC PEDIGREE AND RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
A scholar of international repute, Professor Ilori’s academic journey is rooted in the very institution he now serves at the executive level. He obtained his Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Lagos in 1998 and has since ascended to the peak of his field.
Global Fellowships and Awards
His career is distinguished by a collection of some of the world’s most prestigious academic honors, reflecting the global impact of his work in Biotechnology and Microbiology:
- Alexander von Humboldt (AvH) Fellowship (Germany)
- UNESCO Fellowship in Biotechnology
- Fulbright Research Fellowship (USA)
- Royal Society Fellowship (UK)
- DAAD International Deans’ Course Fellowship
Research Impact and Publications
Professor Ilori is a prolific contributor to scientific discourse, with a portfolio comprising 178 publications, including:
- 125 Peer-reviewed journal articles.
- *3* Scholarly books.
- 50 Conference papers.
Furthermore, his commitment to mentorship is evidenced by his successful supervision of 17 Ph.D. candidates, many of whom have become leaders in academia and industry.
ADMINISTRATIVE TRAJECTORY AND INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Before his election as DVC, Professor Ilori held several "high-stakes" administrative roles that have prepared him for the complexities of managing academics and research at a federal level.
- Immediate Past Director: Academic Planning Unit (APU).
- Former Dean: Faculty of Science.
- Director Roles: Previously headed the Institute of Maritime Studies and the Centre for General Studies.
- Governance: He remains an active member of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos.
GRANTMANSHIP AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Professor Ilori has been exceptionally successful in securing competitive research funding, bringing in grants valued in the millions (across Naira, Dollars, and Pounds). These funds have been sourced from elite organizations, including:
- TETFund (National)
- Lagos State Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC)
- Aston University (International)
- UNILAG Central Research Committee
THE MANDATE: ADVANCING ACADEMICS AND RESEARCH
As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Professor Ilori will oversee:
- Curriculum Innovation: Ensuring academic programmes remain globally competitive.
- Research Commercialization: Bridging the gap between laboratory findings and industry applications.
- Postgraduate Development: Enhancing the quality and throughput of doctoral research.
- International Collaborations: Leveraging his global fellowship network to foster new partnerships for the university.
CONCLUSION: A NEW ERA FOR UNILAG SCHOLARSHIP
The university community, led by the Vice-Chancellor, has extended its warmest congratulations to Professor Ilori. There is widespread confidence that his blend of local institutional knowledge and international scientific exposure will lead to a transformative era for research development at the University of the First Choice.
Signed:
Funmi Falobi
National Publicity Secretary