Prof. Zacheus Olusheyi Ojekunle, a distinguished lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has earned a stellar reputation among students and faculty alike for his exceptional teaching and unwavering dedication to student success.
Since joining the university in 2009, following an impactful academic journey in the People’s Republic of China, Prof. Ojekunle has been a beacon of support and inspiration.
Born out of humble beginnings, Prof. Ojekunle’s educational path took him from Army Children School in Kano to notable institutions like Obafemi Awolowo University, where he graduated with First Class Honors in Urban and Regional Planning, to Tianjin University in China, where he obtained both his Master’s and Ph.D. in Engineering, specializing in Environmental Sciences.
His journey was paved with several prestigious awards, including the Federal Government Scholarship and the Distinguished Foreign Excellent Student Scholarship.
Prof. Ojekunle’s research interests are deeply rooted in water resources planning and climate change, focusing on sustainable environmental management.
He has played a pivotal role in advancing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in both Nigeria and China.
Notable projects include developing early warning systems for agricultural production and applying innovative modeling techniques to understand the relationship between climate change and economic development.
His research contributions have not gone unnoticed; he has received grants supporting various environmental projects and has collaborated with both national and international bodies, including the World Bank. His work with the Water Evaluation and Planning System (WEAPs) model marks a significant achievement in environmental management and strategy development.
Beyond his academic accolades, Prof. Ojekunle is cherished by his students who have voted him the “Most Friendly Lecturer” at FUNAAB.
Many students laud his approachable nature and commitment to ensuring that everyone achieves academic excellence. “He makes every effort to support us,” shared a student. “He’s not just a lecturer; he’s a mentor.”
In addition to his teaching and research duties, Prof. Ojekunle is a proactive member of several professional organizations, including the Nigeria Hydrogeological Society and the International Water Association, striving to make lasting contributions to the fields of urban planning and environmental sustainability.
As Prof. Ojekunle continues to inspire a new generation of students, his dedication to learning and development reaffirms his position not only as a leading academic figure at FUNAAB but also as a vital player in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and sustainable water management in Nigeria.
