Meet UNILORIN’s First Professor of Gender Studies and Developments

Professor Deborah Shade Adekeye is a trailblazer in Gender Studies and Developments at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. She’s the first Professor of Gender Studies and Developments, and the first female Professor in the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences.

Professor Adekeye’s research focuses on gender and development in major societal institutions, examining the impact of gender on areas like politics, economics, education, health, and religion. Her work aims to inform public policy and promote legal reforms supporting gender equality and marginalized groups’ rights.

A seasoned academic, Prof. Adekeye began her career as an Education Officer II in 1990, quickly advancing to the post of Chief Education Officer in 2004 within the Kwara State Ministry of Education. In 2005, she transitioned to the University of Ilorin as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and became a Professor in 2020. She has held leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Sociology and Criminology and Security Studies.

With over 60 publications and numerous conference attendances, she’s a respected figure in her field.

Prof. Adekeye is a member of the Social Science Council of Nigeria, Anthropological and Sociological Association of Nigeria, and Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. She’s supervised hundreds of students and served as an examiner for various departments within and outside the country.

In her personal life, Prof. Adekeye enjoys reading and travelling, and is married with children and grandchildren.