Preparations have been concluded for the 45th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, which will be delivered by Professor Mary Banke Omoniyi, a distinguished scholar in Guidance and Counselling.
The lecture, titled “Sentenced by Anatomy: The Dilemma of the Nigerian Woman,” is set to take place on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the University’s Multipurpose Hall. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event, which is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m., with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.
In a statement signed by Professor Adebisi Daramola, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee, the lecture will explore the complex socio-cultural challenges faced by women in Nigeria.
Prof. Omoniyi’s academic journey began with a B.Sc in Microbiology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1981. She later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and a Masteuhr’s degree in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Benin in 1989 and 1993, respectively.
Her academic pursuit reached its peak with a Ph.D in Guidance and Counselling from the former Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) in 2001.
She joined the faculty of AAUA in 2004 as a Lecturer II and rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2017. Over the years, Prof. Omoniyi has made significant contributions to the academic and administrative development of the institution, having served in more than 70 roles. These include Acting Director of the Students’ Work Study Scheme, Head of the Department of Guidance and Counselling, and Dean of the Faculty of Education.
A seasoned academic and prolific researcher, she has presented papers at over 40 conferences locally and internationally in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Portugal, and the Benin Republic. Her scholarly output includes a published book and over 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals. She has also supervised numerous research works, including six master’s theses and three doctoral dissertations.
Prof. Omoniyi is affiliated with several professional organisations, including the Counselling Association of Nigeria, Forum for African Women Educationists (FAWE), the Ondo State Chapter of the Counselling Association, and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.
She also belongs to international bodies such as the American Psychological Association, the Professional Women Biographical Institute, and the Strategic Institute for Natural Resources and Human Development.
