Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye Biography: Age, Education, Career & Latest News
Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye is a Nigerian professor of agronomy and plant physiology and the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN). His academic career has combined agricultural research, university teaching, international research collaborations, and higher education administration. He became UNIOSUN’s fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor in January 2022 after previously serving the university in several academic and administrative capacities.
As of October 2026, Adebooye remains at the center of UNIOSUN’s administration following the extension of his tenure by two years. The decision has generated disagreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), making his current biography relevant not only to students interested in university leadership but also to readers following questions about university governance and the tenure of principal officers.
Who Is Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye?
Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye is an academic whose main area of expertise is crop science, particularly agronomy, plant physiology, sustainable crop production, indigenous vegetables, food-related research, and plant-based resources.
Before becoming Vice-Chancellor, he spent many years in teaching and research, particularly at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and Osun State University. His academic work has also taken him to research institutions and universities in Germany, Canada, India, and other countries.
His career is notable for combining scientific research with practical agricultural development. Some of his research projects have examined indigenous Nigerian vegetables, food security, nutrition, rural livelihoods, and the use of underutilized crops.
How Old Is Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye?
Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye was born on December 18, 1966, according to his academic curriculum vitae. That makes him 59 years old as of October 1, 2026. He was born in Gbongan, in present-day Osun State, Nigeria.
His documented place and date of birth make it possible to give his age without relying on estimates or biographical speculation.
Where Is Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye From?
Adebooye is from Gbongan in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. His academic curriculum vitae identifies Osun/Ayedaade as his state of birth and Gbongan as his place of birth.
His professional career has remained strongly connected to southwestern Nigeria. He has worked at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife and later became one of the senior academics involved in the development of Osun State University.
Educational Background
Adebooye’s formal academic training is rooted in agricultural science.
He earned a Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric.) in Plant Science from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he studied from 1985 to 1990. He subsequently obtained an M.Sc. in Agronomy with distinction from the University of Ibadan between 1991 and 1992. He later completed a Ph.D. in Agronomy and Plant Physiology at the University of Ibadan, with the doctoral program recorded as running from 1997 to 2001.
His training also included specialized international programs. These included a plant tissue culture certificate through the United Nations University/Institute for Natural Resources in Africa and a food safety and analysis certificate obtained during research training at the Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysore, India.
UNIOSUN’s current official profile summarizes his principal academic qualifications as B.Agric. from OAU, M.Sc. from the University of Ibadan, and Ph.D. from the University of Ibadan. It also identifies him as a United Nations Fellow, DAAD Fellow, Alexander von Humboldt Fellow, and Ambassador Scientist associated with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Academic Career
Professor Adebooye began building his professional career in agriculture and education before reaching the senior academic ranks.
After completing his first degree, he served with the Gari River Irrigation Project in Kazaure, Kano State, during his National Youth Service period. He subsequently worked with the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission and later became a lecturer at Lagos State Polytechnic’s School of Agriculture in Ikorodu.
His academic career then developed at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he progressed to the level of Reader and Associate Professor before becoming a professor. His curriculum vitae records his full professorship from September 2009. He joined Osun State University as a full-time professor in 2010.
He has also held visiting and research appointments outside Nigeria, including at the University of Manitoba in Canada, the University of Bonn in Germany, Cape Breton University in Canada, and the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart.
This international experience became an important part of his academic profile, particularly in agricultural research and collaboration.
Research Areas and Academic Contributions
Much of Adebooye’s research has focused on plants that have nutritional, agricultural, economic, or medicinal significance but have historically received less attention than major commercial crops.
His work has included research into indigenous leafy vegetables, plant physiology, nutraceutical properties, food security, sustainable crop production, and agricultural development. One documented research program examined indigenous vegetables in southwestern Nigeria and their potential contribution to food security and rural livelihoods.
His 2011 inaugural lecture at Osun State University was titled “Exploring the Vegetables’ World: Nutraceutical and Physiological Investigations.” The lecture reflected his research interest in the relationship between plant science, nutrition, and human health.
His publication record includes research on indigenous vegetables, food composition, crop production, biotechnology, climate change, and agricultural development. His documented books and edited volumes include works dealing with biotechnology, food, health, environmental issues, and Nigeria’s agricultural challenges.
International Research Projects and Grants
One of the significant features of Adebooye’s academic career has been his involvement in international research partnerships.
His curriculum vitae records major grants from Canadian and German institutions, including projects supported by Canada’s International Development Research Centre. One project focused on the sustainable production and utilization of underused Nigerian vegetables to improve rural food security.
The Osun State Government previously reported that an international research consortium led and coordinated by Adebooye received a $4.45 million Canadian government grant for research into indigenous vegetable production and utilization in southwestern Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. The project was also connected with agricultural training and food-security objectives.
The research was not limited to laboratory work. Project records describe field research, farmer training, nutritional investigations, and efforts aimed at improving the economic opportunities associated with indigenous vegetables. A related development project worked with farmers and women’s cooperative groups in southwestern Nigeria.
Leadership Roles Before Becoming Vice-Chancellor
Adebooye’s transition into university administration was gradual.
At Osun State University, he served in several senior positions before becoming Vice-Chancellor, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Provost or Dean, Director, Head of Department, and member of the Governing Council. His previous administrative experience was among the factors reported when the university announced his appointment as substantive Vice-Chancellor in 2022.
He has also participated in international academic organizations. The African-German Network of Excellence in Science (AGNES), which supports scientific capacity and collaboration involving African researchers, lists Professor Adebooye as Chair of its Governing Board.
Professor Adebooye as Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN
Adebooye was appointed the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University in January 2022. His appointment followed a selection process by the university’s Governing Council and approval by the university’s Visitor at the time.
Under his administration, UNIOSUN has expanded its academic programs, research activities, infrastructure, and postgraduate offerings. At the university’s 16th Convocation in September 2026, Adebooye reported that the institution’s academic programs had increased from 66 at inception to 128, while its postgraduate programs had risen from 99 to 299. The university also reported a student population of 42,780 and 75 international research grants.
These figures describe institutional growth during his administration, although they should not automatically be interpreted as being caused by one individual. University expansion normally involves the work of governing councils, academic staff, students, government, administrators, and other stakeholders.
UNIOSUN’s Accreditation Record
Academic quality assurance has been another major issue during Adebooye’s tenure.
In 2026, UNIOSUN announced that the National Universities Commission granted full accreditation to all 29 academic programs presented during the October/November 2025 accreditation exercise. The programs covered areas including management, allied health sciences, environmental sciences, humanities, computing, education, sciences, and social sciences.
The outcome followed an earlier accreditation achievement reported by the university in 2023, when 26 undergraduate and postgraduate programs received full accreditation.
For students, accreditation is particularly important because it concerns whether academic programs meet the regulatory standards required for operation within Nigeria’s university system.
UNIOSUN’s 2026 Convocation
One of the most recent major institutional events under Adebooye was UNIOSUN’s 16th Convocation, held from September 18 to 24, 2026.
The university announced that 4,357 students were to receive degrees, diplomas, and higher degrees. The reported breakdown included 3,845 first-degree graduates, nine postgraduate diploma recipients, 400 master’s graduates, and 103 doctoral graduates.
The convocation also marked the graduation of the first students from 17 academic programs introduced under the current administration.
UNIOSUN’s 2027 Times Higher Education Ranking
Another major development came on September 30, 2026, when UNIOSUN announced its debut in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027.
The university entered the global 1,201 to 1,400 band and was reported as the highest-ranked state-owned Nigerian university among those included in the ranking. Its reported scores included 25.6 for Research Environment and 23.6 for Teaching.
The ranking should be understood as an external institutional assessment rather than a personal ranking of Adebooye. The result does, however, form part of the current institutional context surrounding his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.
Current Role and Tenure Extension
As of October 1, 2026, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye is the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University. UNIOSUN’s official leadership page continues to identify him as Vice-Chancellor.
In August 2026, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke announced a two-year extension of Adebooye’s tenure. The state subsequently amended the university’s establishing law to provide a basis for the extension. The government says the extension takes effect after Adebooye’s original five-year term and would keep him in office until January 2029.
The development has been contested. ASUU argued that the original framework provided for a single five-year tenure and criticized both the extension and the legislative process used to accommodate it. The Osun State Government has rejected that interpretation, maintaining that the State House of Assembly has legislative authority to amend the university’s enabling law and that the required process was followed.
As of October 2026, the disagreement remains an issue of university governance and legal interpretation. It is therefore more accurate to report the competing positions than to describe the matter as conclusively settled in favor of either side.
Personal Life
Publicly available academic records identify Adebooye as married and as the father of three children. Beyond those basic biographical details, there is limited reason to include private family matters in an education-focused profile.
His public career has primarily centered on agricultural research, university education, international scientific collaboration, and higher education administration.
Awards, Fellowships and Professional Recognition
Adebooye’s professional record includes several international fellowships and research affiliations. His academic profile identifies him with the United Nations University, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. He has also served in scientific and academic networking roles connected with German and African research institutions.
Rather than treating every fellowship or grant as an award, it is useful to distinguish between research funding, academic fellowships, professional appointments, and honors. His career includes examples of all these categories.
Impact on Students and Higher Education
Adebooye’s influence on education extends beyond his own research publications.
As a professor, he has supervised undergraduate and postgraduate research and participated in the development of younger researchers. His curriculum vitae records supervision of master’s and doctoral students as well as more than 70 undergraduate final-year projects.
As Vice-Chancellor, his responsibilities have shifted toward institutional management, including academic programs, accreditation, infrastructure, student welfare, research development, and relationships with government and university stakeholders.
In March 2026, for example, UNIOSUN management under his leadership presented an official bus to the Students’ Union to support student activities and mobility across the university’s campuses.
Latest News About Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye
September 30, 2026: UNIOSUN enters Times Higher Education World Rankings
UNIOSUN announced its debut in the 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, entering the 1,201 to 1,400 global band. Adebooye welcomed the result and said the university would continue working to strengthen its research and academic profile. Status: Confirmed.
September 24, 2026: UNIOSUN reports expansion in academic programs
At the 16th Convocation, Adebooye reported growth in academic and postgraduate programs, student enrollment, and international research grants. Status: Confirmed report from the university and contemporary coverage.
September 2026: Tenure extension remains contested
The two-year extension of Adebooye’s tenure remains the subject of disagreement between ASUU and the Osun State Government. The government maintains that the amendment to the university law provides the necessary statutory framework, while ASUU has challenged the move and raised concerns about university governance. Status: Confirmed dispute, legal and institutional interpretation remains contested.
Frequently Asked Questions About Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye
What does Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye do?
He is a professor of agronomy and plant physiology and the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University.
When was Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye born?
He was born on December 18, 1966, in Gbongan, Osun State, Nigeria.
How old is Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye?
He is 59 years old as of October 1, 2026.
Where did Professor Adebooye study?
He earned his B.Agric. in Plant Science from Obafemi Awolowo University and his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agronomy and Plant Physiology from the University of Ibadan.
What is Professor Adebooye’s area of specialization?
His academic specialization includes agronomy, sustainable crop production, plant physiology, indigenous vegetables, food-related research, and agricultural development.
When did Professor Adebooye become Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN?
He became the university’s fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor in January 2022.
Is Professor Adebooye still the Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN?
Yes. UNIOSUN’s official leadership page currently identifies Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye as Vice-Chancellor.
When will Professor Adebooye’s tenure end?
His original five-year tenure was due to end in January 2027. Following the 2026 extension and amendment to the university’s establishing law, the Osun State Government says the additional two-year period will extend his tenure to January 2029. The extension has been disputed by ASUU.
What are Professor Adebooye’s major research interests?
His research has included indigenous vegetables, crop physiology, nutraceuticals, food security, sustainable agriculture, food science, and the agricultural and economic value of underutilized plant resources.
What is Professor Adebooye known for as an academic?
He is known for combining agricultural research with international development projects, particularly research involving indigenous vegetables, food security, nutrition, and sustainable crop production.
Suggested Internal Links for [BLOG NAME]
Where these articles exist on the website, natural internal links could include:
- UNIOSUN admission requirements and application guide
- How to check UNIOSUN admission status
- UNIOSUN school fees and academic calendar
- Guide to postgraduate admission in Nigerian universities
- How university accreditation works in Nigeria
- Current Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian universities
- Latest Nigerian university admission updates
Conclusion
Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye’s career connects agricultural science with university administration. His academic training in plant science, agronomy, and plant physiology developed into research on indigenous crops, food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture, while his later career expanded into university leadership and international academic collaboration.
Since becoming Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University in 2022, his administration has overseen reported growth in academic programs, research activity, postgraduate education, infrastructure, accreditation outcomes, and institutional visibility. The university’s 2026 entry into the Times Higher Education World University Rankings adds another recent development to that record.
His biography is also currently connected to an important debate about university governance. The two-year extension of his tenure has received support from the Osun State Government but opposition from ASUU, with both sides presenting different interpretations of the legal framework. For students and researchers following Nigerian higher education, that dispute is worth watching because its eventual resolution could have implications beyond one university leadership position.