May 2025: Professor (Mrs.) Ibiyinka A. Fuwape – African Female Researcher of the Month

May 2025: Professor (Mrs.) Ibiyinka A. Fuwape – African Female Researcher of the Month

Overview

Professor (Mrs.) Ibiyinka A. Fuwape is a distinguished Nigerian physicist, academic administrator, and advocate for women in science. A professor of physics with over three decades of experience, she has made groundbreaking contributions in nonlinear dynamics, atmospheric physics, climate change, and biophysics. Her remarkable research, leadership, and mentorship have earned her prestigious awards both nationally and internationally. She is the second substantive Vice-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University and a leading voice for gender equality in STEM across Africa.

Early Life and Education

Born in Lagos State on December 8, 1962, to the family of David Ademokun, Ibiyinka Fuwape began her academic journey at Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls Primary School, Yaba. She continued her secondary education at Methodist Girls’ High School, where she obtained her Ordinary Level certificate. From 1979 to 1981, she studied at Queen’s College, Yaba, earning her Higher School Certificate.

Professor Fuwape proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where she distinguished herself academically. She graduated with a first-class Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1984, emerging as the best graduating student in the entire university. She obtained her master’s degree in 1986 and her Ph.D. in theoretical physics in 1989 from the same institution.

Academic and Professional Career

Professor Fuwape began her academic career as an assistant lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in 1989. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, attaining full professorship in October 2003. At FUTA, she held several key academic and administrative positions, including

• Acting Head and later Head of the Physics Department (for nine years)

• Dean, School of Sciences (2011–2015)—the first person to serve in this capacity at the university

• Member of the University Senate (2003–2017), and Chairman of the Senate during the 2014/2015 academic session

• Winner of the Dean of the Year Award in 2012

Her leadership journey reached a new milestone when she was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, a private institution committed to innovation and academic excellence.

Research and Scientific Contributions

Professor Fuwape is globally recognized for her pioneering research in

• Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos Theory

• Coupled Oscillator Systems

• Neuronal Systems and Biophysics

• Lower and Upper Atmospheric Research

• Climate Change and Air Quality Modelling

Her current research focuses on the chaotic dynamics of the lower atmosphere, an area with significant implications for climate prediction, agriculture, and environmental policy. She heads the Condensed Matter Research Group at FUTA and has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers.

Her scientific excellence has led to collaborations with renowned institutions, including:

• Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy—Associate Member (1992–1996)

• Ohio University, Athens, USA—Visiting Scholar (2007–2009)

Awards and Recognitions

Professor Fuwape has been consistently recognized for her outstanding academic and scientific achievements:

• African Union Kwame Nkrumah Regional Award for Scientific Excellence (AUKNASE), 2020 Edition

  • Honoured for her high-impact research in climate change, biophysics, and air quality

  • Recognized as one of Africa’s foremost scientists whose work significantly contributes to sustainable development on the continent

• Marshak Lectureship Award – American Physical Society (2018)

  • Delivered a notable lecture titled “Women in Physics in Nigeria and Other Sub-Saharan African Countries: Progress and Challenges”

• Fellow, American Physical Society (2022)

  • Recognized for decades of leadership in advancing women in physics, and applying physics to solve societal issues in climate, finance, and agriculture

• Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Physics and Nigerian Geophysical Society

• Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Fellow (2006)

Leadership in Promoting Women in Science

A passionate advocate for gender equity in STEM, Professor Fuwape has worked tirelessly to empower women scientists in Nigeria and across Africa. Her leadership roles include:

• Team Leader, International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) Working Group for Women in Physics—Nigeria (Since 2002)

• President, Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Nigeria Chapter (Since 2018)

• Organizer of numerous workshops and mentorship programs for girls and women in STEM

Through these platforms, she has mentored and inspired countless young women to pursue and excel in scientific careers.

Board Memberships and Policy Contributions

In addition to her academic and scientific engagements, Professor Fuwape contributes to educational policy and governance in Nigeria. She currently serves on the board of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and chairs one of its subcommittees on examinations. She has also served on the governing councils of various Nigerian universities, influencing policy, quality assurance, and institutional development.

Legacy and Impact

Professor Ibiyinka Fuwape’s life work exemplifies the power of science for societal good. Her blend of rigorous academic research, policy advocacy, and passionate mentorship continues to impact generations of scientists, especially women in Africa. With her remarkable intellect, resilience, and commitment to excellence, she stands as a beacon of inspiration, raising the profile of African science and redefining possibilities for women in academia.