Prof. Awoniyi to Speak on Corruption, Leadership Failure at AAUA’s 64th Inaugural Lecture Tuesday
A distinguished Professor of Social Ethics, Sunday Awoniyi, will address the societal consequences of corruption and leadership failure, as well as offer solutions, at the 64th inaugural lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
The lecture, titled “The Wages of Corruption and Leadership Failure: Socio-Ethical Frameworks as Pathways to Social Transformation”, is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the University Multipurpose Hall. It will begin at 2 pm, with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 pm.
Prof. Awoniyi’s academic journey began in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He earned a Master of Arts in the same field from the University of Ibadan in 1995, followed by a Master of Philosophy in 2007, and a Doctor of Philosophy in 2012 — all at the University of Ibadan.
He joined Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in 2001 as a Lecturer II in the Department of Religion and African Culture. He rose steadily through the academic ranks and attained the position of professor in 2019.
Beyond the lecture halls, Prof. Awoniyi has served the university in several administrative capacities. He has been Acting Head of the Department of Religion and African Culture, Coordinator of the Departmental Postgraduate Programme, the Sandwich Degree Programme, the Pre-degree Programme, and the Seminar Series. He has also served as Chairman of the Faculty of Arts Postgraduate School Board, and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 42nd Annual Conference of the National Association for the Study of Religions (NASR), held at Adekunle Ajasin University.
A seasoned scholar, Prof. Awoniyi has authored two books and contributed chapters to seven scholarly books. He has 34 journal articles to his credit. He has attended and presented papers at 25 conferences in Nigeria and other countries, including Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Botswana, and South Africa.
Outside Adekunle Ajasin University, he has worked as a Part-time Lecturer for the University of Uyo Degree Programme at Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. He has also served as an External Examiner in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Ibadan and at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.
He holds active memberships in several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions (NASR), the Association of Science and Religion in the Service of Humanity, the Local Societies Initiative (LSI), and the National Association for the Promotion of Studies in Arts and Social Science (NAPSASS). He is also a member of international associations such as the African Association for the Study of Religion (AASR) and the European Centre for Research Training and Development, United Kingdom (ECRTD).
In a statement, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman of Ceremonies, Prof. Adebisi Daramola, confirmed that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will preside over the event.
The lecture is expected to explore the socio-ethical framework as a practicable solution to the societal consequences of corruption and leadership failure, while promoting transformation.
