IAR&T Elects Prof. Ogunniyan as the new Deputy Director
The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan confirmed the election of Prof. D. J. Ogunniyan as the new Deputy Director for an initial two-term of two (2) years starting April 1, 2026. The election followed the completion of the two-term tenure of four (4) years of Prof. J. A. Adetumbi, which ended March 31, 2026.
A release by the Public Relations Officer of the Institute, Mr. Ridwan Yusuff, stated that Prof. D. J. Ogunniyan, brings to this esteemed position a rich blend of administrative and academic experience, international exposure, and deep-rooted commitment to the advancement of agricultural research.
Prof. Ogunniyan, born 1968, obtained his B.Sc (Agric.) Agronomy; M.Sc. (Agronomy) from the prestigious University of Ibadan in 1999 and 2000, respectively before he proceeded to obtain his PhD in Plant Breeding from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in 2017.
He joined the service of the Institute in 2011 as a Research Fellow and rose through the ranks to become a Research Professor in 2023. Prof. Ogunniyan is an expert in Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, with notable achievement of patent works, including breeding and release of high fibre yielding Kenaf Variety (ARTKEN 211); Fall Army Worm Tolerant Maize Varieties (ARTMAZ 01 & 02) and recently released high grain yielding and high popping quality single cross hybrid Popcorn Maize Varieties tagged ‘ARTPOP 001 and ARTPOP 002’. Prof. Ogunniyan has more than 70 publications in reputable local and international journals to his credit. He has won at least four (4) Research Grants amounting to over 10 million worth in Naira as both Principal Investigator and Co-investigator.
Prior to his new role as Deputy Director, Prof. Ogunniyan has served the Institute in several capacities, including the Head of Seed Sub-Section & Seed Officer; Ag. Head of Kenaf and Jute Improvement Programme and Head of Crop & Seed Production Unit between 2019 and 2026. He has equally served as Chairman and Secretary of several Committees within the Institute and the University. He is an active reviewer of reputable journals in Nigeria and abroad. He was the Coordinator of ASUU, IAR&T Unit from 2018 to 2022, and Assistant Secretary of ASUU, OAU Branch, between 2020 and 2022. Over the years, he has attended many Conferences, Seminars and Workshop that have shaped his career professionally and personally.
He is a recipient of many Awards, among which include, MASHAV, State of Israel Government Scholarship in 2011 and a Fellowship of the Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education and Fellowship Programmes of the Netherlands Government.
Prof. Ogunniyan is member of several Professional Bodies, including Horticultural Society of Nigeria (HORTSON), Ecological Society of Nigeria (ECOSON), Genetics Society of Nigeria (GSN), Association of Seed Scientists of Nigeria (ASSN) and Genetics Society of West Africa (GSWA).
As a proud native of Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Prof. Ogunniyan is widely respected for his humility, accessibility, and exceptional human relations, which many have described as a masterpiece.
Beyond his public service record, he is a devoted husband and father, whose family values and moral compass reflect the character and discipline he brings to leadership.
The entire IAR&T Community expresses confidence in his capacity to provide vision-driven leadership and to work in unison with other members of the Management team in advancing the mission and mandates of the Institute.
The Management and Staff of IAR&T congratulates Prof. D. J. Ogunniyan on this well-deserved victory and looks forward to a new era of stability, progress, and excellence under his leadership.
