Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka is a distinguished geoscientist and academic leader with an illustrious career spanning over four decades. He holds a BSc in Geology from the University of Ibadan, an MSc in Geophysics from Imperial College London, and a PhD in Applied Geophysics from the University of Birmingham, UK. His postdoctoral research includes prestigious fellowships at Technical University Braunschweig and Technical University Berlin, supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. He joined the University of Ibadan in 1988 and rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 1999.
Throughout his academic journey, Professor Olayinka has demonstrated a deep commitment to research, teaching, and institutional development. He has successfully supervised 18 PhD theses and served as Visiting Professor, External Examiner, and Assessor across numerous universities. As Head of the Department of Geology and Chairman of the Senate Curriculum Committee, he led initiatives that enhanced academic standards and mobilised funding for infrastructural upgrades. His tenure as Dean of the Postgraduate School saw the introduction of scholarship schemes, research assistantships, and international conference grants, alongside the publication of 36 academic titles.
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) from 2010 to 2014, Professor Olayinka played a pivotal role in implementing the University’s Strategic Plan, fostering good governance, and improving staff welfare. His tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan was marked by transformational leadership, culminating in the institution’s inclusion in the Times Higher Education Ranking (401–500 band). He oversaw the creation of four new faculties—including the first Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies in West Africa—and 22 academic departments, while strengthening admission processes and student performance.
Professor Olayinka’s influence extends beyond academia. He convened the first International Conference on Research and Innovation Management in West Africa and served as the Foundation President of WARIMA. He has held leadership roles with the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), the Association of Commonwealth Universities, and currently serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at West Midlands Open University. He is also a member of the Council of Adeleke University and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Multi-Verse Mining and Exploration Nigeria PLC.
A recipient of the Osun State Merit Award in 2024, Professor Olayinka is a Fellow of numerous professional bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, Geological Society of London, and European Federation of Geologists. He remains research-active, mentoring early-career scholars and delivering public lectures across Nigeria and internationally. He is happily married to Dr Eyiwumi Bolutito Olayinka, a Senior Lecturer in French at the University of Ibadan, and they are blessed with two promising children.