Professor S. I. Ola

SHORT PROFILE OF PROFESSOR SAFIRIYU IDOWU OLA

https://scholar.oauife.edu.ng/ola

Safiriyu Idowu Ola, is a Professor of Animal Science specializing in Animal Reproduction at the Department of Animal Sciences of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he has taught, researched  and supervised several student projects since 1999. He studied animal science at the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University, both in Nigeria. He was at the Institute of Zoology in Beijing, China in 2005-2006 for post doctoral studies, where he worked extensively on molecular mechanism of mammalian oocyte competence under Professor Sun Qing Yuan.

Professor Ola has published widely in reputable peer reviewed journals focusing particularly on adaptive reproductive technologies for animal genetic resources of Nigeria. Some of his publications have had far reaching effects on improvement of reproductive outputs of Nigeria livestock. These includes the development of protocol for progestagen injectables for oestrus synchronization in WAD goats; design of improvised artificial vagina for semen collection in rabbits (OLIRAV) and; development of protocol for artificial insemination of chicken under Nigerian local condition.

Professor Ola was Head of Department of Animal Sciences between August 2014 and July 2016 and Director of the University Teaching and Research Farm between August 2016 and July 2017. Professor Ola is currently a member of the steering committee of the International Congress on Animal Reproduction and a member of the National Advisory Committee on Animal Genetic Resources in Nigeria. He is a Registered Animal Scientist of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science and was a member of its Council between 2014 and 2017. He is also a full member of Animal Science Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Society for Animal Production and Nigeria Institute of Management (MNIM).

Professor Ola is a recipient of a number of awards and fellowships from reputable organizations including, Nigeria Society for Animal Production(NSAP), The World Academy of Science for the Developing World (TWAS), International Foundation for Science(IFS), Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS) and United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Professor Ola is a practicing Consultant Animal Scientist that is well grounded in practical livestock farming. He has in dept understanding and dynamics of livestock production in Nigeria and his expertise is very much sought after. Professor Ola has travelled widely within and outside Nigeria and had spoken at several fora on issues including animal reproduction and production, animal genetic resources, animal welfare, entrepreneurship, youth  empowerment, academic excellence, work ethics  and Islamic monotheism.