FUTA appoints Professor Lawal as Dean of School of Basic Medical Sciences

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has appointed Professor Akeem Olalekan Lawal as the new Dean of the School of Basic Medical Sciences.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, confirmed that the appointment is set for a two-year term starting from August 1, 2024.

This decision followed Professor Lawal’s victory in an election conducted by the Board of the School of Basic Medical Sciences on July 24, 2024.

Professor Akeem Olalekan Lawal is a notable figure in the fields of Biochemistry and Environmental Cardiology. His illustrious academic career began with a First-Class Honors degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ibadan in 1997, where he also earned his master’s degree in 2003. His scholarly journey was further enriched by a prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship, which enabled him to obtain his PhD at the University of Strathclyde, UK, in 2010.

He continued his postdoctoral research at renowned institutions such as the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa, where he was honored with the Claude Leon Fellowship.

Professor Lawal’s research contributions have garnered him numerous accolades, including the Best Graduating Student Award at the University of Ibadan and the Gordon Research Award in the USA.

In 2023, he was recognized as one of the World Top 2% Best Scientists by Stratford University.

His pioneering work in developing novel heme oxygenase-1 knockout mice and his extensive publication record, with over 50 papers in high-impact journals, underscore his research excellence.

He has also been a mentor to many PhD and master’s students, many of whom have ascended to professorial ranks.

Over his distinguished career, Professor Lawal has held several significant academic and administrative positions, including acting headships at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) and Lagos State University College of Medicine.

He is an active member of esteemed professional organizations such as the American Heart Association and the British Toxicological Society.

His contributions extend to serving as a reviewer for top-tier journals and as an external examiner for various universities.