AMB. WAHEED ADEDIRAN EXTOLS AN ASTUTE SCHOLAR AND TRAILBLAZER; HONOURING PROF. ADELEKE’S INAUGURAL AND INVESTITURE AT UNIOSUN

Ambassador Waheed Adediran Extols Professor Monsuru Adebayo Adeleke on His Inaugural and Investiture as Professor of Public Health Entomology and Parasitology at Osun State University, Osogbo, 20th Inaugural Lecture under the watch of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye.

“Ambassador Waheed Adediran has extolled Professor Monsuru Adebayo Adeleke, described him as a ‘Trailblazer’ and ‘Icon’ in the field of Public Health Entomology and Parasitology.”

Monsuru Adebayo Adeleke, an Ibarapa-born, a Professor at Osun State University Osogbo, an Alumnus of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree with specialization in Public Health Entomology and Parasitology. He is a trainee of World Health Organization in Molecular Biology and Molecular Epidemiology. He is a member of Global Network in Genetic Barcoding of Life (Canada), Dipteran Morphometrics (USA), Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, Entomological Society of Nigeria and Zoological Society of Nigeria.

He began his academic career as a Demonstrator/Teaching Assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in 2004 through 2007 before joining the workforce of Crescent University, Abeokuta as an Assistant Lecturer. He later joined the service of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos in 2008 as a Research Fellow in Public Health Division (Molecular Parasitology Unit). Due to his passion for teaching and research, he later withdrew his services from NIMR to join the Department of Biological Science, Osun State University, Osogbo in January, 2011. He attained an Associate Professor of Public Health Entomology and Parasitology. Presently, he has promoted to full Professor.

Professor Adeleke is a researcher to the core, focuses on geospatial machine learning and geostatistical modelling for identification of black fly habitat suitability and the design of novel traps for xeno-monitoring and control of onchocerciasis vectors with much interest in vector-borne diseases. Many of his research outputs have been adjudged as pioneering and novel by many international organizations. He was part of the international team commissioned by the World Health Organization (2007-2011) to unravel the incidence of cross-border migration of black flies along the border of Nigeria and Republic of Benin and its epidemiological implications in both countries. He also conducted the field research that led to the design of novel black fly dubbed Esperanza trap for the surveillance of onchocerciasis vectors in Africa and America. The use of the trap for vector surveillance has been adopted by International organizations and National bodies such as African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC), Jimmy Carter Centre (USA), Federal Ministry of Health in Mexico, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Burkina-Faso, Uganda, and several others. Also, Prof. Adeleke serves as a consultant to World Health Organization, Jimmy Carter Centre (USA), Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria and State Ministry of Health, Osun State. He is currently the Chairman of Steering/Technical Committee for the control of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Osun State appointed by FMOH-SMOH in 2015. His research has bridged gaps between academia, policy, practice and impacting global health outcomes.

In his academic career, Professor Adeleke has served in various committees and several leadership positions in the University system. He acted for the Head of Department of Biological Sciences (May –December, 2012); College Examination Officer and Chairman, College Committee on Examination, College of Science, Engineering and Technology (2011-2014); SubDean, Students Affairs (2012-2014); Member, College of SET Review Panel (2012-2016); Member, Committee of Provosts, Deans and Directors (2014 till date); and Member, Business Committee of Senate (2014 till date). He is currently the Ag. Director of Academic Planning, Office of the Vice-Chancellor.

‘Professor Adeleke’s achievement is a testament to his steadfast dedication, expertise, hardwork, and passion for improving public health,’ Ambassador Adediran said. ‘His groundbreaking research has contributed significantly to the people’s understanding of vector-borne diseases and innovative control strategies.’

Ambassador Adediran commended Professor Adeleke’s relentless commitment to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of public health professionals.

‘Professor Adeleke is an astute scholar, mentor, and exemplary leader. His inaugural lecture highlights the unending war of man against mosquito and blackflies: A tale of two Sacrificial lambs Searching for survival.’

Ambassador Adediran concluded by congratulating Professor Adeleke on his well-deserved recognition that marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career and to be further continuing groundbreaking contributions to the field of Public Health Entomology and Parasitology in the years to come. His achievement is a pride to our nation and our home in particular and a testament to his exceptional contributions to public health.’

Congratulations, we are proud of you, Professor Monsuru Adebayo Adeleke and All you do are hallmarks worthy of emulation. Adediran added