Professor Olutayo Sunday Shokunbi, a Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry and Toxicology in the Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, is set to deliver the institution's 62nd Inaugural Lecture. The event will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Business School Main Auditorium.
Lecture Details
According to the Registrar, Dr. Patience Chioma, Professor Shokunbi will speak on the topic: "Food as Medicine, Food as Poison: Navigating the Double-Edge Plate." The Chairman of the occasion will be Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, the President and Vice Chancellor of Babcock University.
Academic Background
Professor Shokunbi holds a BSc in Biochemistry from Babcock University, MSc degrees in Nutritional Biochemistry & Toxicology and Human Nutrition, and a PhD in Human Nutrition, all from the University of Ibadan. His extensive academic career spans over two decades, with experience in both Nigeria and South Africa.
Research Focus
His research focuses on the surveillance of essential minerals, toxicants, and emerging contaminants in commonly consumed foods and underutilized legumes. He also works on complementary food formulation, dietary intake assessment, maternal and child nutrition, food safety, and the biochemical effects of plant bioactive compounds. Recently, his research has expanded to include microplastics and other emerging contaminants in foods, beverages, and environmental matrices. He leads multidisciplinary research on functional foods for managing diabetes, obesity, lactation challenges, and related metabolic conditions.
Publications and Achievements
Professor Shokunbi has authored and co-authored 40 peer-reviewed publications, including 18 in Scopus-indexed international journals, with an h-index of 13 and i10-index of 16. He has supervised numerous undergraduate, master's, and doctoral candidates. He served as Deputy Provost, Acting Provost, and Provost of the Babcock University College of Postgraduate Studies until February 2026, and as Coordinator of the Doctoral Academy of Nigeria.
Professional Memberships
He is a Full Member of the Nutrition Society (UK), the African Nutrition Society, the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Personal Life
Professor Shokunbi is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatosin S. Shokunbi, and they are blessed with two sons.
The inaugural lecture is an auspicious occasion for the university to acknowledge the appointment or promotion of new full professors, introduce them to the academic and non-academic community, and provide an opportunity for further engagement with the larger community. The presentation of an inaugural lecture is a significant milestone in the academic career of a full professor and provides a platform to share past research and introduce new ideas to a diverse audience.
