Mountain Top University, Prayer City, Ibafo in Ogun State, has appointed a new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), Professor Gabriel O. Ajayi. He succeeds Prof. John Oladele Akinyomi.
By Emma Ogbuehi
Mountain Top University, Prayer City, Ibafo in Ogun State, has appointed a new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), Professor Gabriel O. Ajayi. He succeeds Prof. John Oladele Akinyomi.
The new DVC is a distinguished academic, seasoned administrator, and accomplished biomedical scientist with extensive experience in university leadership, postgraduate education, and high-impact research. He is a Professor of Biochemistry with specialization in Phytomedine and drug discovery, Nanobiotechnology, Toxicology, and Metabolic disease research.
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Ajayi has built an outstanding academic career marked by excellence in scholarship, mentorship, and institutional service for over 25 years. He is a member of many reputable local and international professional societies, among which are the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), the Biochemical Society, UK, Experimental Biology Society of Nigeria (NISEB) and the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Professor Ajayi’s blend of academic distinction, administrative depth, research leadership, and people-centered governance makes him exceptionally suitable as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Mountain Top University, where he supports strategic decision-making, academic advancement, and sustainable institutional development.
Before his appointment as the DVC, he was the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, where he provided visionary leadership in policy formulation, quality assurance, curriculum development, doctoral training, and research governance. In this role, he successfully strengthened postgraduate structures, improved academic standards, coordinated doctoral supervision frameworks, and fostered a culture of research integrity.
His leadership contributed significantly to the growth, stability, and credibility of postgraduate programs within the university system. He was also the Foundation Director, Open and Distance e-Learning, where he midwifed and coordinated the successful establishment and full accreditation of the program at a one-time visit of the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC).
Professor Gabriel Ajayi got his BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Lagos in 1989. Thereafter, he obtained his MSc and PhD from the University of Lagos and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in 1995 and 2014, respectively. He started his academic career at the Lagos State University College of Medicine in 2001 and became the Head of Medical Biochemistry before joining Mountain Top University as a Professor in 2021.
Professor Ajayi is an active researcher with a strong publication record of over 65 published articles and abstracts in reputable peer-reviewed journals, including Q1-ranked outlets. His research portfolio integrates experimental, molecular, and in silico approaches to address critical health challenges such as diabetes, ageing, cardiovascular disorders, environmental toxicity, and cancer. He has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, including Master’s and PhD candidates, many of whom are now contributing meaningfully to academia, industry, and healthcare sectors.
Beyond scholarship, Ajayi demonstrates exceptional administrative competence. He has served on several university committees involving strategic planning, accreditation, research ethics, staff development, and academic policy implementation. He is widely respected for his balanced leadership style, collaborative approach, and firm commitment to institutional growth, accountability, and academic excellence.
Professor Ajayi is a religious and community man. He is presently a Regional Overseer in Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries and a community Leader at Itele-Andu Village, Maya-Ikorodu, Lagos. He is blessed with a beautiful wife and children.
