Top 15 Professors shaping education in Nigeria

In a country as vast and diverse as Nigeria, education is a vital component of economic and social development. The importance of education has led to the emergence of a vibrant educational landscape, featuring renowned professors who have dedicated their lives to shaping the future of Nigeria’s youth.

Professor Ishaq Oloyede

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede is a notable Nigerian academic and the current Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). He has a distinguished background as a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin. During his tenure at JAMB, he significantly increased its revenue from N23 million to N8 billion in eight months by tackling corruption and improving operational efficiency, without raising exam fees​.

Professor Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi

Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi is the Registrar and Chief Executive of the National Examinations Council, he is appointed since 12 July 2021 but took the office on 16 July 2021.[1] He took over from Ebikibina John Ogborodi who has been acting since the death of Godswill Obioma on 31 May 2021.

Professor Ayo Banjo

A Nigerian educational administrator and emeritus professor of English and he was the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria. He also served as pro-chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University.

Professor Bolanle Awe

Professor Bolanle Awe was born 28 January 1933. she is a Nigerian and Yoruba history professor. She became the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria in Nsukka. She has been called a Nigerian “intellectual hero”.

Professor Attahiru Jega

Attahiru Muhammadu Jega (born 11 January 1957) is a Nigerian academic and former vice-chancellor of Bayero University ,Kano. On 8 June 2010, he was nominated by then President Goodluck Jonathan as the new Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), subject to senate confirmation, as a replacement for Professor Maurice, who vacated the post on 28 April 2010. Jega retired on 30 June 2015, handing over his position to Amina Zakari according to a directive by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Professor Grace Alele Williams

He was born 16 December 1932 – 25 March 2022) was a Nigerian professor of mathematics education, who made history as the first Nigerian woman to receive a doctorate, and the first Nigerian female vice chancellor at the University of Benin. She dies at the age of 89.

Professor Barth Nnaji

Bartholomew Nnaji is a Nigerian scientist and innovator, born in Enugu State. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in physics from St John’s University and pursued postgraduate studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. In 1983, he joined the University of Massachusetts Amherst faculty and later founded the Automation and Robotics Laboratory. By 1992, he was a professor of mechanical and industrial engineering. His research focused on Computer Aided Design, Robotics, and Computer Aided Engineering, leading him to create the concept of geometric reasoning and co-innovate the E-design concept. Nnaji also founded Nigeria’s first indigenous power generating company and served as the country’s Minister for Science and Technology.

Professor Florence Banku Obi

Florence Banku Obi is a Nigerian academic, author and a professor of education with specialization in psychology and special needs education. She is the 11th substantive vice chancellor of University of Calabar and the first female vice-chancellor since the inception of the institution.After her appointment as the new VC, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who chairs the Senate Adhoc Committee on Constitution Review, described Prof. Obi as “an astute educational icon.”She was previously the deputy vice-chancellor, academics and commissioner for women affairs in Cross River state She was a candidate in the 2015 VC election but was not elected until 2020 when she became the first woman to be elected. In 2007, she served as the social development and member of the executive council, Cross River State.

Professor Abdullahi Mustapha

Professor Abdullahi was born 1 February 1948) is a Nigerians Professor of Medicinal chemistry and former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University , Zaria. He was succeeded by Ibrahim Garba as the VC of the University.

Professor Olufemi Bamiro

Olufemi was born 16 September 1947)and he is a Nigerian, Prof. of mechanical engineering, also the Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, his contributions to mechanical engineering and higher education administration are noteworthy.

Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe

He was the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos that was born 5 July 1949. he has played a crucial role in the development of engineering education in Nigeria. He died from COVID 19 complications on 3 January 2021, during the COVID 19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Professor Isaac Adewole

He is influential figure in public health and former Minister of Health, he has been a strong advocate for medical education and health policies. Isaac Folorunso Adewole (born 5 May 1954) is a Nigerian professor of gynecology and obstetrics.He was minister of health of Nigeria from November 2015 to May 2019 under the Cabinet of Muhammadu Buhari He is a former vice chancellor of University of Ibadan, and president of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer.

Professor Duro Oni

Professor Duro is leading scholar in theater arts and cultural studies, he has significantly impacted the development of creative arts education in Nigeria.

Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone

Professor Charles at 37, he became Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and has made significant contributions to biopharmaceutics and microbiology.

Professor Peter Okebukola

Professor Peter is renowned educationist and former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), he has been pivotal in implementing reforms in higher education.

These professors have made significant strides in their respective fields, contributing to the advancement of education in Nigeria through research, leadership, and policy development. Their work highlights the importance of academic excellence and innovation in driving educational.