Prof. Seun Oyekola

Oluwaseun possesses a multidisciplinary educational background that enables him to adapt and excel in various fields. With 20 years of experience in research and development, specializing in renewable energy and waste management, complemented by 19 years of teaching in higher education and 8 years in managerial roles, Oluwaseun has demonstrated his expertise in both theory and practice. He has successfully managed numerous projects, from their conceptualization to their completion, with funding from government agencies and industries. These projects have provided innovative solutions, policy advice, and implementation strategies.

Oluwaseun’s contributions have resulted in over 100 technical publications, including 42 journal articles, 54 conference and workshop presentations, 5 book chapters, and 2 technical reports. He has established valuable partnerships with academic institutions and industry collaborators in North Africa and Europe. His exceptional communication and interpersonal skills enhance his ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Recently appointed as the Teaching and Learning Coordinator, Oluwaseun previously served as the Postgraduate Studies Coordinator in the Department of Chemical Engineering at CPUT, South Africa. Recognized by the National Research Foundation (NRF) as a C2-rated researcher, he is esteemed as an established researcher with international recognition. In recognition of his outstanding teaching abilities, he has received the Institutional, Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA), and Departmental Teaching Excellence Awards in 2021, 2019, and 2017 respectively.

Oluwaseun’s commitment to advancing education led to his selection as a representative of his institution in the prestigious 2021-2022 national Teaching Advancements at Universities (TAU) Fellowships Programme. He was also a recipient of the esteemed Carnegie (2020) and Claude Leon (2008) scholarships, which further validate his academic achievements.

With a track record of securing research grants amounting to 7.1 million Rands (approximately $423,000 USD) from various funding organizations, Oluwaseun’s work has a significant impact on advancing scientific knowledge in his field. Furthermore, he serves as a Guest Editor for the Environmental and Public Health Journal, further demonstrating his commitment to sharing expertise and contributing to the scientific community.

Oluwaseun’s research journey began with his PhD, focusing on the potential of an ecological approach in treating acid mine drainage (AMD) resulting from mining activities. This groundbreaking study explored the relationship between microbial communities and the performance of water treatment systems for mining-impacted water. Today, his research continues at the Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER), UCT, establishing a strong foundation for ongoing investigations in this field. Additionally, his MSc research played a vital role in demonstrating an economic and environmental approach to managing industrial and municipal wastewaters. This work, published by the Water Research Council (WRC) in South Africa, highlighted the industrial applications of enzymes derived from municipal sewage sludge in the treatment of textile dye.

Oluwaseun’s expertise, dedication, and impactful contributions to the fields of renewable energy, waste management, and environmental engineering make him an invaluable asset in driving sustainable solutions and advancing knowledge in his domain.