Governing Board

Stewardship and expertise guiding TCEBCEM.

The Centre’s Governing Board brings together leaders in environmental regulation, conservation, biotechnology, academia, and sustainable development.

Board Members

Meet the Governing Board

Experienced professionals and scholars provide strategic direction for the Centre’s research, capacity building, and conservation mission.

Dr. Babatunde Ajayi

Board Member

Dr. Babatunde Ajayi

General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA)

Dr. Babatunde Ajayi is the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), where he provides strategic leadership in environmental regulation, pollution control, and sustainable environmental management across Lagos State. He oversees the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at improving air quality, environmental compliance, waste management, noise control, and public health protection.

With extensive experience in environmental governance and regulatory enforcement, Dr. Ajayi has championed initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and stakeholder collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, academia, and local communities. His leadership has strengthened environmental monitoring systems and advanced innovative approaches to addressing urban environmental challenges in one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities.

As a member of the Governing Board of TCEBCEM, University of Lagos, Dr. Ajayi contributes his expertise in environmental policy, regulation, and sustainable development to support the Centre’s mission of advancing research, capacity building, and evidence-based solutions for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.

Professor Bola Oboh

Board Member

Prof. Bola Oboh

Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos

Professor Bola Oboh is a distinguished academic in the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, with extensive experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. Her research interests span cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, and related areas of life sciences, with a focus on advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation through interdisciplinary research.

She is committed to promoting excellence in research, capacity building, and the application of scientific knowledge to address environmental and public health challenges. As a member of the Governing Board of TCEBCEM, University of Lagos, Prof. Oboh provides strategic guidance in strengthening the Centre’s academic programmes, research initiatives, and collaborative efforts aimed at biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and sustainable development.

Mr. Desmond Olumuyiwa Majekodunmi

Board Member

Mr. Desmond Olumuyiwa Majekodunmi

Chairman, Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI)

Mr. Desmond Olumuyiwa Majekodunmi is the Chairman of the Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI), a leading environmental conservation organization dedicated to protecting urban forests, conserving biodiversity, and promoting environmental education in Nigeria. Under his leadership, LUFASI has become a model for sustainable urban conservation through habitat restoration, wildlife protection, ecological research, and public engagement.

An environmental advocate with a strong commitment to sustainable development, Mr. Majekodunmi has championed initiatives that foster collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, private organizations, and local communities to address environmental challenges and enhance ecosystem resilience. His work has significantly contributed to raising awareness of biodiversity conservation and the importance of preserving green spaces within rapidly urbanizing landscapes.

As a member of the Governing Board of TCEBCEM, University of Lagos, Mr. Majekodunmi brings valuable expertise in conservation leadership, environmental stewardship, and stakeholder engagement, supporting the Centre’s mission to advance research, innovation, and capacity building in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.

Dr. Anthony Okere

Board Member

Dr. Anthony Okere

Acting Director, National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB)

Dr. Anthony Okere is the Acting Director of the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Nigeria’s premier institution for the conservation, characterization, and sustainable utilization of plant, animal, and microbial genetic resources. He provides strategic leadership in advancing research, biotechnology innovation, genetic resource conservation, and national capacity building to support agricultural development, biodiversity conservation, and food security.

With extensive experience in genetic resources management, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability, Dr. Okere has led and contributed to numerous initiatives aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s biological resources while promoting their sustainable use for research, breeding, and socioeconomic development. He has also fostered collaborations with national and international institutions to strengthen scientific research, innovation, and policy development in genetic resource management.

As a member of the Governing Board of TCEBCEM, University of Lagos, Dr. Okere contributes his expertise in biodiversity conservation, biotechnology, and scientific research to support the Centre’s mission of advancing knowledge, innovation, and sustainable ecosystem management.

Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe

Board Member and Centre Director

Prof. Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe, FAS

Director, TCEBCEM, University of Lagos

Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, FAS, is the Director of the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management (TCEBCEM), University of Lagos, and a distinguished Professor of Botany. A Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS) and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, he is widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to plant systematics, biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and higher education leadership.

As Director of TCEBCEM, Prof. Ogundipe provides strategic leadership for the Centre’s research, postgraduate training, innovation, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Under his leadership, the Centre has strengthened interdisciplinary research in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability, and circular economy, while fostering national and international collaborations that address pressing environmental challenges.

Professor Ogundipe has published extensively in reputable scientific journals and has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, contributing significantly to the advancement of botanical sciences and biodiversity research in Nigeria and beyond. His leadership continues to position TCEBCEM as a leading centre for excellence in research, capacity development, policy engagement, and sustainable environmental management across Africa.