Oluwatoyin A. Odeku
Oluwatoyin Adepeju Odeku | |
|---|---|
| Born | Oluwatoyin Adepeju Odeku Nigeria |
| Alma mater | Obafemi Awolowo University University of Ibadan; University of Benin |
| Known for | Drug formulation and delivery systems; mentoring women in science |
| Awards | Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science (2024) Humboldt Alumni Award (2021) May & Baker Professional Service Award (2024) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical technology |
| Institutions | University of Ibadan |
Oluwatoyin Adepeju Odeku is a Nigerian professor of pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical technology, academic administrator, and mentor. She is affiliated with the University of Ibadan, where she has served as Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy. She is known for her research in drug formulation and delivery systems, as well as her contributions to mentoring women in science.[1]
Early life and education
Odeku obtained a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) degree from Obafemi Awolowo University. She later earned her Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees from the University of Ibadan.[1]
She also holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from the University of Benin and has received training in higher education management in Germany.[2]
Academic career
Odeku began her academic career at the University of Ibadan in 1993 and rose to the rank of professor in 2008.[3]
She has held several leadership roles, including:
- Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy
- Director, Office of International Programmes
- Head of Department (Acting)
- Sub-Dean (Undergraduate)[3]
Her research focuses on pharmaceutics, drug delivery systems, polymer science, and pharmaceutical technology.[1]
She has also held visiting and research positions in Germany, Israel, and Ghana.[2]
Research and publications
Odeku’s research interests include drug formulation and delivery systems, pharmaceutical excipients and polymers, and anti-diabetic drug development.
She has contributed to academic publications on pharmaceutical formulation and has co-authored studies on plant-based anti-diabetic treatments.
She has also contributed as an editor to scholarly works on healthcare issues in Sub-Saharan Africa.[4]
Mentorship and advocacy
Odeku founded the Women in Academia Advancement Network (WAAN) in 2018, a mentoring initiative aimed at improving research productivity and career development among female academics.[5]
Her mentorship work addresses challenges faced by women in science, including work–life balance and institutional barriers.[5]
Awards and recognition
Odeku has received several awards, including:
- Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science (West Africa, 2024)[5]
- May & Baker Professional Service Award in Pharmacy (2024)[6]
- Humboldt Alumni Award for Innovative Networking Initiatives (2021)[7]
She is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy.[2]
Professional affiliations
Odeku is a member of several scientific organizations, including the Science Association of Nigeria and the African Academy of Sciences.[7]
She also serves as a Humboldt Ambassador Scientist for Nigeria.[7]
Personal life
Odeku is married with children and has spoken about the importance of family support in enabling women to pursue academic careers.[7]
References
- ^ a b c "Oluwatoyin Odeku Profile". African Scientists Directory. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ a b c "Professor Oluwatoyin A. Odeku". NAIP Nigeria. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Professor Oluwatoyin Odeku Biography" (PDF). DAAD. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ "Oluwatoyin A. Odeku". Bloomsbury Publishing. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ a b c Odeh, Onche (12 December 2024). "Mentorship is a way of paying it forward". Nature. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ "Ex-UI Pharmacy Dean Odeku wins May & Baker Professional Service Award". PharmaNews. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ a b c d Scheffer, Ulrike (2025-02-25). "Equal opportunities for women in Nigeria". Alumniportal Deutschland. Retrieved 17 March 2026.