In a significant development for Nigeria's academic community, the Vice-Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa, Ondo State, has been elected to a prestigious national leadership role.
A New President for the Social Sciences Academy
Professor Temi Emmanuel Ologunorisa was elected as the new President of the Social Sciences Academy of Nigeria (SSAN). The election was conducted during the Academy's Annual General Meeting, which was held in the nation's capital, Abuja, on November 28, 2025.
This appointment places the renowned scholar at the helm of one of Nigeria's foremost bodies dedicated to the advancement of social science research and its practical application to national issues.
The Profile of a Distinguished Scholar
Professor Ologunorisa brings an impressive international pedigree to the position. He is a celebrated Geographer and climate scientist, with his research focusing on critical areas like climate and society interactions, climate change policy, and disaster management for floods and droughts.
His academic excellence has been recognized with numerous awards and fellowships. A crowning achievement was receiving the prestigious United States Scholar of Extraordinary Ability award in 2018. He is also a Fellow of the Social Science Academy of Nigeria (FSSAN).
His global academic influence is evidenced by visiting professorships at top universities worldwide, including:
- Tokyo Metropolitan University
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA
- National University of Singapore
- McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada
Leadership and Vision for the Future
At OAUSTECH, Professor Ologunorisa's tenure has been marked by substantial progress. Under his guidance, the university has experienced notable growth in research output, infrastructure development, and academic programmes. His strategic vision has successfully positioned OAUSTECH as a leading institution for science and technology in Nigeria and the broader region, fostering an environment ripe for academic excellence, innovation, and community service.
In his new capacity as President of the Social Sciences Academy of Nigeria, he is expected to provide strategic direction. A key focus will be on promoting the social sciences and leveraging them to develop solutions for Nigeria's pressing development challenges. His interdisciplinary background, straddling hard science and social policy, is seen as a major asset for this role.
The academic community will be watching closely as Professor Ologunorisa takes on this national mantle, anticipating that his leadership will bridge gaps between research, policy, and practical societal benefits.
