Dr. Adekunle Ojatula | PhytoMedicine | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Adekunle Orimisan Ojatula is a distinguished Nigerian academic and researcher specializing in Phytomedicine with expertise in herbal medicine, ethnobotany, and natural product research. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa. Dr. Ojatula’s scholarly journey is rooted in his passion for the therapeutic applications of medicinal plants and the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern drug discovery approaches. His research spans ethnomedicinal surveys, phytochemistry, biomolecular characterization, safety assessments of herbal preparations, and the standardization of herbal drugs for global health sustainability. He has contributed significantly to curriculum innovation in herbal sciences and remains dedicated to bridging traditional medicine with contemporary biomedical research. Beyond academia, he consults for herbal clinics, delivers public lectures, and mentors postgraduate students, making impactful contributions to healthcare, education, and national development through his academic excellence and professional service.
Profile
Education
Dr. Adekunle Ojatula pursued his academic training across prestigious Nigerian institutions, building a strong foundation in plant sciences and herbal medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Botany from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where he graduated with distinction as the best student in his class. Driven by his interest in phytomedicine, he proceeded to the University of Benin, where he obtained his Master of Science in Phytomedicine, focusing on the phytochemical evaluation of medicinal plants with aphrodisiac properties. He further advanced his studies at the same university, where he completed his Ph.D. in Phytomedicine with a dissertation on the bioactivity and safety assessment of Pausinystalia yohimbe root extract, demonstrating its pharmacological and reproductive health significance. His academic path reflects a consistent dedication to herbal medicine research, emphasizing the interplay between indigenous knowledge systems and modern biomedical applications. This solid educational background underpins his expertise as a teacher, researcher, and consultant.
Experience
Dr. Adekunle Ojatula’s professional career demonstrates a steady rise through academia, research, and consultancy. At Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, he has served in diverse roles, from Lecturer II to Senior Lecturer, contributing to teaching, curriculum design, and departmental leadership. He has coordinated seminars, supervised postgraduate students, and provided academic guidance in the Botany program. His administrative contributions include coordinating SIWES, unit headship in Botany, and course advisement, ensuring quality student development. Beyond the university, he has engaged in herbal clinical training and consultancy, offering evidence-based approaches to traditional medicine at clinics such as Pax Herbal and Eureka Herbal Clinic. His involvement in professional societies broadens his collaborative reach, while his public lectures and national-level academic proposals showcase his commitment to advancing herbal sciences in Nigeria. Dr. Ojatula’s multifaceted experience highlights his academic rigor, leadership, and passion for integrating research with societal and health impacts.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Adekunle Ojatula’s academic brilliance and professional contributions have been recognized through notable awards and honors. During his undergraduate studies, he received the Distinction Merit Award as the Best Graduating Student in Botany, a testament to his dedication and intellectual excellence. He has also been honored by student bodies, such as the Botany Graduating Students of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, who recognized his mentorship and academic impact with an Award of Honour. In addition, he has been acknowledged for his outstanding service to the academic community through Certificates of Excellence in Reviewing, reflecting his critical role in ensuring quality scholarly publications. His achievements extend beyond accolades, as he has also attracted competitive research grants, most notably from TETFund, supporting groundbreaking studies on herbal plants for reproductive health. These distinctions not only validate his individual excellence but also highlight his broader contribution to advancing knowledge in herbal medicine.
Research Focus
Dr. Adekunle Ojatula’s research focus is firmly centered on phytomedicine, with particular emphasis on drug discovery, formulation, and development from natural plant sources. He integrates ethnobotanical knowledge with modern scientific methods to validate the therapeutic applications of herbal plants, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and standardization. His work involves phytochemical screening, biomolecular characterization, bioactivity studies, and toxicity assessments of medicinal plants, especially those with reproductive and cardiovascular health benefits. A strong advocate of indigenous knowledge systems, he documents and investigates the ethnomedicinal practices of communities, contributing to both cultural preservation and biomedical advancement. His analytical expertise extends to microscopic studies and herbal drug formulation, bridging traditional practices with global pharmaceutical standards. By addressing issues of quality, safety, and efficacy in herbal medicine, his research contributes to modernizing the field while supporting national healthcare systems. His studies have wide-reaching implications for natural drug innovation, health sustainability, and economic development.
Publications
Title: Aphrodisiac potentials of Pausinystalia yohimbe (K. Schum.) Pierre ex Beille methanol root extract in male Wistar rats
Year: 2020
Citation: 11
Title: Ethnomedicinal survey of plants used in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction among the Ilaje people of Ondo State, Nigeria
Year: 2015
Citation: 11
Title: Developmental botanic: A case study on chromatographic determination of phytocompounds in the roots of Anthocleista nobilis (G. Don.) as pro-fertility
Year: 2021
Citation: 10
Title: Spermatogenic efficacy of Pausinystalia yohimbe (K. Schum.) Pierre ex Beille roots in male rats
Year: 2020
Citation: 10
Title: Preliminary Assessment of Acute and 14–Days Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity of Pausinystalia yohimbe (K. Schum.) Pierre ex Beille Methanol Root Extract on Experimental Rats
Year: 2020
Citation: 7
Title: Biomolecules and Phytominerals Profiling of Pausinystalia yohimbe (K. Schum.) Pierre ex Beille Root Extract
Year: 2019
Citation: 6
Title: Effects of Pausinystalia yohimbe Methanol Root Extract on Some Cardiovascular and Haematological Variables in Wistar Rats
Year: 2019
Citation: 6
Title: In-vitro Studies on the Herbal Plant Microdesmis keayana Methanol Leaves Extract Phytocomponents by GC-MS Analysis: A Further Evidence for its Phytomedicinal Potentials
Year: 2023
Citation: 5
Conclusion
Dr. Adekunle Orimisan Ojatula is a visionary scholar in phytomedicine whose contributions in herbal drug discovery, ethnomedicine, and academic innovation continue to bridge indigenous knowledge with global biomedical science, making him an outstanding figure in research, teaching, and professional service.