Dr. Olaoluwa Ajayi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award
International Insitute for tropical Agriculture, Nigeria
Dr. Olaoluwa Oluwafunto Ajayi is an innovative and results-driven microbiologist specializing in Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, with over a decade of experience in soil microbiology, rhizosphere ecology, and microbial inoculant development. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2021, after completing his M.Sc. (2015) and B.Sc. (2011) in Microbiology at the same institution. His professional experience spans roles as Senior Research Supervisor and Research Assistant at the Soil Microbiology Laboratory, IITA, Ibadan, where he supervised laboratory and field research projects, coordinated training sessions for junior researchers, and collaborated with international institutions on soil health and plant–microbe interaction studies. Earlier, he contributed to the Nodumax Project, focusing on legume inoculant development, and gained teaching experience as a science teacher at Total Child School, Kebbi State. Dr. Ajayi’s research interests include plant–microbe interactions, soil fertility improvement, microbial inoculant technologies, and sustainable agriculture, and he has applied advanced techniques such as DNA and protein extraction, PCR, bioinformatics analysis using R and Python, metabolomics, and proteomics. He has an extensive publication record with articles in Scopus-indexed and Springer journals, covering topics from rhizobia diversity and nitrogen fixation to microbial impacts on crop productivity. Dr. Ajayi is a member of professional societies such as FEMS, ASM, IS-MPMI, and the Israel Society for Microbiology, and he has received international grants including the FEMS Early Career Scientist Grant (Armenia, 2019) and Novo Nordisk Foundation Travel Grant (Denmark, 2022). His volunteer and mentorship initiatives demonstrate strong community engagement, including teaching and organizing scientific events. With his expertise, leadership, and global collaborations, Dr. Ajayi is well-positioned to advance innovative soil microbiome research, enhance sustainable agricultural practices, and mentor the next generation of environmental microbiologists, establishing a lasting impact on global food security and environmental sustainability.
Profile: ORCID
Featured Publications
Ajayi, O. O., Haro, H., Dianda, M., & Fagade, O. E. (2025). Native symbiotic rhizobia strains improve yield and nitrogen fixation in underutilized Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc.). Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment. Advance online publication.
Ajayi, O. O., Dianda, M., & Fagade, O. E. (2024). Rhizobia inoculation’s impact on the biomass and moisture content of leguminous Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc.). Discover Sustainability.
Ajayi, O., Ogwugwa, V. H., & Dianda, M. (2024). Plant obliviousness to plant consciousness through knowledge gap bridging.
Ajayi, O., Adedeji, T., Ogwugwa, V., Dianda, M., & Fagade, O. E. (2024). Diagnostic and portable point-of-use technologies as plant monitoring tools for plant awareness.
Ajayi, O., Nwodo, D. C. C., Adedeji, T., Oguguwa, V. H., Dianda, M., & Fagade, O. E. (2024). Agricultural significance of antibiotic resistance pattern in selected nitrogen-fixing bacteria strains.
Dr. Olaoluwa Oluwafunto Ajayi’s work advances sustainable agriculture and soil health by harnessing beneficial plant–microbe interactions, promoting environmentally friendly microbial inoculants, and enhancing crop productivity. His research bridges scientific innovation and practical solutions, supporting global food security, environmental sustainability, and community development.