News and Events
THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN CAMPUS TOUR
On June 4, 2025, the African Union Club, in collaboration with PAULESI staff, organized an enriching and educational tour across the prestigious University of Ibadan. The excursion provided students with a unique opportunity to explore some of the institution’s most iconic landmarks, including the Zoological Museum and Garden, the Botanical Garden, and the Institute of African Studies.
The tour began at the Zoological Museum and Garden, where an experienced guide led students through a fascinating exploration of ancient and modern animal species. Students marveled at the diverse wildlife, including lions, hyenas, and giraffes, many of whom were seeing these majestic creatures up close for the very first time. The guide also shared captivating insights into the history and conservation efforts surrounding these animals, making it both an educational and thrilling experience.
Next, the students visited the Institute of African Studies, where the Director of the Institute (African Studies) delivered an engaging and enlightening session on Africa’s rich history and cultural heritage. The discussion opened the students’ eyes to the depth and diversity of African traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the continent’s historical significance and global influence.
The final stop was the Botanical Garden, where students learned about rare and indigenous plant species that thrive exclusively in Africa’s unique ecosystems. The interactive session highlighted the ecological importance of these plants and their role in sustainability and biodiversity.
To conclude the event, a delicious meal was served.
REPORT OF PAULESI BOARD OF GOVERNANCE BI-ANNUAL MEETING
The Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute’s Board of Governance held its first biannual meeting of the year on June 3, 2025. The meeting was chaired by the Vice Rector of the Pan African University, Prof. Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, and began at 11:07 am and ended at 12.59 pm. Attendees included the Director of PAULESI, Prof. Mubo Sonibare, who also serves as the Secretary to the Board; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan (UI), representatives of the Vice Chancellor, UI, namely Prof. I.A. Oladosu and Dr. Wuraola Akande-Sholabi; the Provost of the Postgraduate College, Professor A.S.O. Ogunjuyigbe; the Director of the UI Research Foundation, Professor A.M.J. Oduola; the Director of the Research Management Office, Professor A.S. Jegede; and representatives of PAULESI programme coordinators, Professors Omolade Oladele and A.A. Odukogbe.
The meeting commenced with a welcome address from the Chairman, who expressed gratitude to all members for their commitment to the advancement of PAULESI. Following this, the Chairman introduced Prof. Mubo Sonibare, the new director of PAULESI, who assumed her role on April 14, 2025. This introduction was followed by the director’s presentation, which included highlights such as PAULESI activities since November 2024, the upcoming UI Town Connect event in November, the November graduation ceremony, the first PAU International Conference, completion of MSc degrees, the approval of results by the Board of Examiners, the admission of new students, current student statistics, the 2025 academic calendar, research and publications, Africa Day celebration, recruitment of part-time lecturers, the approved budget for 2025, the execution rate, curriculum review, the Director’s mission for the Institute and other activities undertaken since the new director’s arrival.
The meeting addressed various issues, including updates on the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) Phase 2 support project, the need for PAULESI to benefit from the Federal Government’s yearly allocation and support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), and the necessity of garnering support from partners and NGOs for PAULESI. Other topics included the upcoming 2025 curriculum review, accreditation of PAULESI programmes, and the tenure of Board members. Significant suggestions and action points were put forward by members, leading to major decisions that will be closely monitored.
AFRICA DAY CELEBRATION AT THE PAN AFRICAN UNIVERSITY LIFE AND EARTH SCIENCES INSTITUTE (PAULESI), UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN.
The Africa Day celebration was held on Monday, 26 May 2025, at the Institute and was marked by vibrant cultural displays, educational activities, and strong participation from students and staff alike.
The event commenced with a welcome address from the Director of the Institute, Professor Mubo A. Sonibare. In her address, she gave a brief historical overview of the establishment of the African Union and underscored the importance of Africa Day in fostering unity, peace, and development across the continent. Citing this year’s theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparation,” she urged students to play an active role in building Africa’s future, emphasizing that the fulfillment of the Pan-African dream depends on their commitment and contributions.
Following the opening remarks, the event featured a quiz session focused on African history, culture, and current affairs. Students from various regions of Africa delivered insightful presentations, showcasing the unique traditions, customs, and innovations of their respective countries.
A lively “Proverb Time” segment allowed students to share traditional African wisdom, while a colorful cultural dance performance further enriched the celebration, reflecting the diversity and richness of African heritage.
The event concluded with the cutting of a commemorative cake and a group photograph, symbolizing unity and shared identity. The celebration was well attended by members of staff, Programme Coordinators and students, all of whom contributed to the success of the programme.
THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARIAN AND TEAM VISIT PAULESI
Following the visit of the Director of Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI) to the Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan on May 2, 2025, the University of Ibadan Librarian, Dr. Mercy A. Iroaganachi, and her team conducted a site visit to PAULESI on May 23, 2025 to continue the dialogue and further their discussions about the setup and commencement of the PAULESI Library. This visit aimed to assess the designated space for the Library’s setup and fulfil the Librarian’s commitment to support the realisation of this goal. The team was warmly received by the Director of PAULESI, Prof. Mubo Sonibare and her team, including Mrs. Vivian Alasoadura, Secretary to the Institute; Mrs. Carine Mbassana, Finance Officer; Ms. Fehintola Onifade, Executive Administrative Officer; and Ms. TireniOluwa Ibitoye, Secretary to the Director.
During the visit, Dr. Iroaganachi and her team evaluated the proposed space and commended it as suitable for the Library. She provided her professional insight by designing a preliminary layout and offering recommendations on the specifications, dimensions, and types of furnishings, including shelves, chairs, and tables, as well as their optimal placement within the space. Additionally, she showed the Director a pictorial representation of the anticipated final design of the library.
The visit concluded with Dr. Iroaganachi committing to send detailed specifications and images of essential furniture suitable for the library. She also offered to leverage her team’s expertise to compile a list of books from publishers’ catalogues based on the programmes offered at PAULESI. Dr. Iroaganachi emphasised that these resources are crucial to the launch of the PAULESI Library. In response, the Director expressed her gratitude to Dr. Iroaganachi and her team for their support and expertise, conveyed her enthusiasm for the upcoming realisation of the PAULESI Library, and sought continued collaboration and support from the University of Ibadan Library.
THE 42ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE NIGERIA ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS SCIENCE AND MEDICINE
The 42nd Annual Conference of the Nigeria Association of Sports Science and Medicine (NASSM) was held from Monday, 12 May to Wednesday, 14 May 2025.
During the opening ceremony on Monday, 12 May 2025, at PAULESI CcHub, the Director of the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), University of Ibadan, Professor Mubo A. Sonibare, in her welcome address reaffirmed the relevance of the conference theme, emphasizing its significance for Africa, where the foundation of a healthy society lies in the well-being of individuals.
While expressing hope that the conference would spark meaningful dialogue and inspire innovative ideas, she wished all participants productive and insightful deliberations.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Emmanuel Odokuma, Provost, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, highlighted the urgent need to reduce the prevalence of mental illness in the country. He emphasized the role of sports in achieving this goal. Speaking on the theme, “Shaping Humans and Society Through Science and Medicine of Sports,” he urged all levels of government to actively promote sporting activities as a pathway to fostering mental wellness among Nigerians.
Following the opening ceremony, the breakout sessions commenced.
PAULESI NEW DIRECTOR AND TEAM VISIT THE VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN
On May 7, 2025, Professor Mubo Sonibare, the newly appointed Director of the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), and her team made a courtesy visit to Professor Kayode Adebowale, FAS, mni., the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. The meeting, attended by the University of Ibadan Management Team, took place in the Vice Chancellor’s Board Room.
In her introductory remarks, Professor Sonibare explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce herself as the new Director, to strengthen the existing symbiotic relationship between PAULESI and the University of Ibadan, and to explore opportunities for further collaboration and support. She emphasized that PAULESI, as an initiative of the African Union, was established alongside other institutes to cultivate scholars who can address Africa’s challenges, highlighting the importance of sustained collaboration with the University of Ibadan.
In response, the Vice Chancellor welcomed Professor Sonibare and her team, congratulating her on her well-deserved, albeit delayed, appointment as Director. He underscored the competitive nature of the selection process, noting the rigorous challenges she overcame to emerge as the top candidate. He remarked that the visit signifies a positive start for her tenure, reinforcing the idea that the success of one institution mutually benefits the other.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated the University of Ibadan’s commitment to supporting PAULESI, recalling that Nigeria through the University of Ibadan, under the banner of West Africa, successfully bid to host PAULESI. He acknowledged the operational and structural challenges PAULESI has faced, reviewed the efforts undertaken by his administration to reach this point, and promised future support. Professor Adebowale also encouraged the current PAULESI staff to work diligently and with integrity to advance PAULESI, aspiring to make it the leading African Union institute, in line with the University of Ibadan’s esteemed reputation as the first and best.
THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN REGISTRAR VISITS PAULESI
Since Professor Mubo Sonibare assumed her position as the new Director of PAULESI, the Institute has had the pleasure of hosting several distinguished guests who came to offer their congratulations and support.
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Mr. G.O. Saliu, MANUPA, MNIM, MAUA, the Registrar of the University of Ibadan, visited the Director’s office for a courtesy call. The primary aim of this visit was to formally welcome and congratulate Professor Sonibare on her recent appointment. During their discussion, Mr. Saliu conveyed his heartfelt best wishes for a successful and impactful tenure, and he emphasized the commitment of the University of Ibadan Registry to support the initiatives and goals of the Institute.
In her response, Professor Sonibare expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Saliu for taking the time to visit her, noting her pleasure in hosting him in her office. She highlighted the significance of such supportive gestures in fostering collaboration between PAULESI and the University of Ibadan. The visit concluded with a brief tour of the Institute
PAULESI NEW DIRECTOR AND MANAGEMENT VISIT KENNETH DIKE LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN
In an effort to further advance PAULESI’s goals, the new Director, Prof. Mubo Sonibare, made a courtesy visit to Dr. Mercy A. Iroaganachi, the University Librarian at the University of Ibadan, on Friday, May 2, 2025. The purpose of this visit was to formally introduce the new Director and to establish a collaborative relationship between the University of Ibadan Library and PAULESI, which is one of Prof. Sonibare’s broader action plans.
During the visit, Dr. Iroaganachi and her team welcomed Prof. Sonibare, who was accompanied by three members of her team: Mrs. Vivian Alasoadura, the Secretary to the Institute; Dr. Adedapo Adediji, the Research Officer; and Ms. Fehintola Onifade, the Executive Administrative Officer. In her presentation at the Librarian’s office, Prof. Sonibare highlighted that PAULESI is working towards establishing its own library, which will require the expertise of Dr. Iroaganachi and her team. In the interim, she advocated for the allocation of a dedicated section and space within the University of Ibadan’s Central Library, as well as the incorporation of PAULESI educational materials in the university’s library collection.
In her response, Dr. Iroaganachi expressed her appreciation to Prof. Sonibare for her endeavour to enhance and strengthen the relationship with the University Library. She noted that this collaborative effort had long been anticipated and assured Prof. Sonibare of the University of Ibadan Library’s commitment to supporting the establishment of a library for PAULESI. Dr. Iroaganachi emphasized the critical role of a library for any institution, stating that it is one of the key criteria for accreditation by the Nigerian University Commission.
THE VICE CHANCELLOR AND DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN VISIT THE NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF PAULESI
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, FAS, mni., along with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter Olapegba, made a surprise courtesy visit to Professor Mubo Sonibare, the newly appointed Director of the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
This visit aimed to formally welcome Professor Sonibare to her distinguished role as the Director of PAULESI, an institute under the African Union Commission and hosted by the University of Ibadan. During the visit, the Vice Chancellor congratulated Professor Sonibare on her long-awaited assumption of duty, highlighting the importance of the Director’s position in fostering the growth of the Institute.
In her welcome remarks, the new Director expressed her sincere gratitude to both the Vice Chancellor and the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) for their surprise visit, noting that she felt honored to host them in her office. She appreciated their efforts in taking time out of their busy schedules for the courtesy call.
The Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) extended their best wishes for a successful tenure to Professor Sonibare and assured her of the University’s continued and unwavering support for PAULESI, emphasizing their commitment to advancing the Pan African University.
In her response, Professor Sonibare acknowledged the University’s management for their past support prior to her appointment. She echoed the Vice Chancellor’s assurance and expressed her eagerness for continued collaboration and support from the University of Ibadan.
2025 MATRICULATION CEREMONY
The matriculation ceremony held on Friday, 21 March 2025, at the PAULESI premises commenced at 10 am with the academic procession. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor K.O. Adebowale, FAS, mni, formally declared the ceremony open.
The PAU Vice Rector, Professor Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, who joined the ceremony virtually, delivered the welcome remarks. She encouraged the matriculants to be exemplary ambassadors and to pursue their academic goals diligently, emphasizing their role in Africa’s growth and development.
In his matriculation address, the Vice-Chancellor urged the students to be hardworking, committed and uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct throughout their academic journey at the University of Ibadan. He also encouraged them to take full advantage of the resources available at the university to develop skills that would distinguish them in the global marketplace.
The Matriculation Oath was administered by the Registrar of the University of Ibadan, represented by the Senior Deputy Registrar (General Administration), Mr. I.A. Akinbola. He further instructed the matriculants to ensure they signed the matriculation register.
Following this, the Vice-Chancellor officially declared the ceremony closed, concluding with the exit of the academic procession.
PAULESI Innovation Challenge 2024
The 2nd edition of the PAULESI Innovation Challenge held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at the Centre of Excellence, PAULESI.
Throughout history, innovation has been a major driver of improvement, and it remains an essential part of the AU Agenda 2063 for developing a new Africa. The event gave the students a great opportunity to showcase innovations that would address some identified challenges on the African continent.
Having delivered their pitch, the panel of judges consisting of individuals from the private sector, non-for profit organisation and the academia, shortlisted 3 teams as the winner of the PAULESI Innovation Challenge 2024.
The 1st position was awarded to MEDEASY Africa Team. The team proposed a mobile application solution for professional medical care
The 2nd position was awarded to Eran Pro Team. The team proposed a Meat and Vegetable e-commerce platform and
The 3rd position was awarded to Mtalli Team. The team proposed a Geotourism booking and learning application platform
Collaborations and brainstorming on diverse ideas is very essential for progress in building a better future for all, more especially in tackling the various challenges faced by Africa and this was the focus of the event.
Hands-on STATA Software Training for PAULESI Scholars
Hands-on Basic Training in Molecular Biology
Partnership Engagement between PAULESI and
Freee Recycling Limited Apata, Ibadan, Nigeria
2022/2023 Matriculation Ceremony
The matriculation ceremony commenced at 10am with the academic procession. The Vice Chancellor, Professor K.O Adebowale, FAS, mni, ably represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor E.O Ayoola formally declared the ceremony open.
The Deputy Director, Professor M. Oladunjoye, in his welcome address encouraged the students to take advantage of the suitable academic ambience to productively engage in learning and research as it is hoped that students will contribute to the development of the African continent by making meaningful and relevant contributions across the globe and in their various fields of study. He reiterated the importance of respect for self as well as others and admonished them to be good ambassadors of their countries.
PAULESI at Inqaba Biotec West Africa for Molecular Biology Workshop
The molecular biology training at Inqaba Biotec West Africa, Ibadan, Oyo State (April 3-7, 2023) played an important role in understanding molecular practices that focus on the studies of biological activity at cellular and molecular levels. The workshop training involved various studies on the properties of DNA, RNA, proteins, plus other molecular operations such as pipetting, extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis and sequencing.
The importance of this workshop lies in its ability to provide a deep understanding of the fundamental processes that occur in human, animal and plant living organisms. Understanding this can lead to the development of new treatments for diseases, infections, viruses, the discovery of new drugs, and the improvement of agricultural practices.
PAULESI at Lekki Conservation Center (Lagos, Nigeria)
We had our learning visit to Lekki Conservation Center (Lagos, Nigeria), with 21 students from the Environmental Management, Plant Breeding and Petroleum Geoscience tracks participating. The students had an insightful session on the Air Purification Mechanism at the park, an overview of the Fish Breeding Section, a tour of the Tree House and overview of the species to mention a few.
The students also experienced the 405-meter canopy walk reputed to be the longest in Africa and second-longest in the world.
