Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, is set to host its 40th Inaugural Lecture to be delivered by Professor Victoria Kikelomo Olugbemi, a renowned scholar of Socio-Cultural History and Gender Studies. The lecture, titled “Nation Building in Nigeria: The Historical Intersections of Gender, Religion and Culture,” is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
According to a statement by the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Adebisi Daramola, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event. The lecture will take place at the University Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 2:00 p.m., with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.
Professor Olugbemi began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Arts (Education) in History from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1990. She obtained her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in History and International Studies from Adekunle Ajasin University in 2004 and 2015, respectively.
She joined AAUA on January 1, 2001, as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of History and International Studies, and rose through the ranks to become a professor in 2021.
Over the years, Prof. Olugbemi has served the University in over 30 capacities, including Head of Department; Director, University Advancement Office; and Director, Centre for Gender Studies and Development (formerly Women Studies and Development Centre), where she currently serves. She also chaired the Fundraising Sub-Committee for the University’s 25th Anniversary celebration.
Her academic influence extends beyond the university, having participated in several conferences locally and internationally, including in Kenya and the Republic of Benin.
Prof. Olugbemi has contributed to three books, edited two others, and authored over 25 scholarly articles. She has also supervised four Master’s dissertations.
She is a member of several professional bodies, including the National Association for the Promotion of Arts and Social Sciences (NAPSASS); Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN); University Women Initiatives of Nigeria (UNIWIN); National Association of Women in Academics (NAWACS); American Studies Association of Nigeria (ASAN); and the Association of Directors of Centre for Gender Studies in Nigeria.
