Speakers Prof. Seun Oyekola
Prof. Seun Oyekola

With over 22 years dedicated to research, development, innovation, and teaching, complemented by six years specialising in Scholarship of Learning and Teaching (SoLT) within university education, my journey is rich in experience. Spanning Chemical Engineering (PhD), Education (Postgraduate Diploma), and Biochemistry (BSc Hons & MSc), my background forms a solid foundation, equipping me with a comprehensive skill set and an unwavering dedication to advancing learning experiences and pioneering curriculum design.

Fortified by an MBA, I leverage my multidisciplinary expertise to excel across various spheres, embodying a servant-leadership mindset that fosters collaboration, drives innovation, and ensures every voice is heard, valued, and motivated to excel. Recognised as a C2-rated (i.e., an established researcher with international recognition) researcher by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, my teaching prowess has been honoured with Institutional, Faculty, and Departmental Teaching Excellence Awards in 2021, 2019, and 2017.

Rooted in the concept of circular bioeconomy, my research interest fundamentally shifts our perception of waste. Viewing waste not as a disposable by-product but as a valuable resource with the potential to yield renewable energy and many value-added products, I address environmental challenges while unlocking new avenues for sustainable innovation and economic growth.

My impact extends globally through impactful partnerships with academic institutions and industry collaborators. In 2023, I was honoured with the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, CPUT, Platinum awards for Google citations and H-index, and the Bronze award for Student supervision.
My professional mission extends beyond accolades to a dedication to youth development, encapsulated in Franklin Roosevelt’s words: “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” By blending task-oriented efficiency with a genuine focus on people, I create transformative educational initiatives that transcend borders and cultures, propelling individuals and teams towards shared success across diverse domains.
Having been trained in Nigeria, South Africa, Australia, and America, I embrace diverse cultures and contexts, fostering adaptability that allows me to excel in formal and informal environments. My interpersonal skills extend into community service, where I connect with individuals across different sectors and bodies. Moreover, my proficiency in communicating ideas and data to diverse audiences, from scientists and engineers to company executives, underscores my commitment to driving impactful change across a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

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