PROFESSOR OLAYINKA RAMOTA KARIM

Profile

Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim is an accomplished Food Scientist, academic administrator, researcher, peace advocate, and transformational leader. She is the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo, Nigeria, having assumed office on 1 March 2023.

She obtained her Bachelor of Science (Hons.) degree in Food Science and Technology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (now Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta) in 1992. She subsequently earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Ibadan in 1995 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Food Science and Technology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in 2005, becoming the first Ph.D. graduate of the Department of Food Science and Technology. She further broadened her professional expertise with a Diploma in Agribusiness and Post-Harvest Management (Israel) in 2015 and professional certificates in Inter-Religious Dialogue, Conflict Transformation, and Mediation in 2019.

With over three decades of distinguished experience in teaching, research, university administration, community service, and consultancy, Professor Karim has made remarkable contributions to the advancement of Food Science and Technology, higher education, peacebuilding, and national development. She has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, examined doctoral theses across several universities, reviewed manuscripts for reputable national and international journals, and served as External Examiner and External Assessor for professorial appointments in many Nigerian universities.

An accomplished researcher and mentor, Professor Karim has attracted several research grants, fellowships, and sponsorships from prestigious national and international organisations, including TETFund, Global Affairs Canada, the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD, ActionAid Nigeria, the Dutch Ministry, the N.G. Patel Foundation (India), and the University of Ilorin Laboratory-to-Product Initiative, among others. She has authored and co-authored over 195 scholarly publications, delivered more than 70 keynote addresses, lead papers, public lectures, and conference presentations, and participated in academic conferences, research collaborations, and professional engagements across more than 15 countries.

Professor Karim has rendered outstanding national service through numerous strategic assignments. She has served as a National Call Group Member, UTME/JAMB Supervisor, Test Item Moderator for JAMB, JUPEB Examination Supervisor, and as Chairperson and Member of accreditation and resource verification panels of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Her exemplary contributions to academia, public service, and community development have earned her more than 35 prestigious awards and honours.

A passionate advocate of ethical leadership, peacebuilding, women's empowerment, youth development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, Professor Karim combines academic excellence with exceptional administrative competence. Under her leadership, Fountain University continues to strengthen its reputation for academic excellence, research and innovation, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, institutional growth, internationalisation, and global engagement.

Professor Karim is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (FNIFST), Fellow of the College of Food Processors (FCOFP), Fellow of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (FSPSP), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria (FCPA), Fellow of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (FCOFP), Life Fellow of the International Chartered World Learned Society (LFICWLS), and a Member of the Institute of Food Technologists (MIFT).

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Professor Karim is a distinguished community builder, peace ambassador, and spiritual leader. She is the Yeye Fiwasaye of Oyan City, Osun State, and the Khadimatul-Ummah (Servant of the Muslim Community) of the Istijabah Prayer Group of Nigeria, honours conferred in recognition of her selfless service to humanity, moral leadership, and commitment to community development. She is also a devoted and committed member of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), where she actively supports programmes that promote spiritual growth, social development, and community service.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to higher education, leadership, nation-building, peacebuilding, and women's development, Muslim News Nigeria honoured Professor Karim in 2026 as one of the 30 Muslim Women of Substance in Nigeria.

Professor Karim is happily married to Professor Adegboyega Karim. She remains unwaveringly committed to advancing Fountain University's vision of producing competent, innovative, morally upright, and globally competitive graduates while fostering excellence in teaching, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, and sustainable national development.