Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award
Associate Professor, Department of Political Sciences and International Relations
University of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
A trailblazer in academia, public policy, and gender studies, Dr. Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo is the Director of the Center for the Study of Race, Gender and Class and an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Sciences and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg. With over a decade of impactful experience, she has played a transformative role in bridging scholarly inquiry with policy innovation across the African continent. Her professional trajectory reflects a rare blend of academic depth, leadership acumen, and a passion for social justice.
Profile
Education
Dr. Ojo holds a Ph.D. in Political Sciences from the University of Pretoria, where she conducted pioneering research on financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs. Her academic path includes an MA and Honours in Development Studies from the University of South Africa, a BA in Philosophy from Olabisi Onabanjo University, and a Diploma in Industrial Relations from the University of Ibadan. She has also undertaken advanced certifications in research supervision, postgraduate assessment, and data-driven methodologies from institutions including Harvard University and the University of Johannesburg.
Experience
Her professional record includes roles of increasing responsibility, from academic and postdoctoral fellowships to senior faculty and administrative leadership. She has lectured and supervised across graduate levels, directed women-centered academic programs, co-led international taskforces on sustainable development, and consulted for global organizations such as the International Labour Organization and the International Organization for Migration. She has led policy analysis and training across Southern Africa and served on numerous university committees, blending research excellence with institutional service.
Research Interests
Dr. Ojo’s scholarship spans a vibrant array of themes: international relations, feminist political economy, gender and governance, sustainable development goals, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), climate justice, and digital inclusion. Her methodological expertise includes both qualitative and quantitative frameworks, with a strong emphasis on translating academic inquiry into actionable policy recommendations. She is particularly passionate about applying feminist and Pan-African lenses to deconstruct structural inequalities and advocate for inclusive policymaking.
Awards and Honours
Her contributions have been widely recognized through several accolades, including the 2022 Post-Doctoral Excellence Award by the University of Pretoria and the Best Researcher Award from the International Research Awards on Science, Health and Engineering Science. She has received competitive bursaries from the University of Johannesburg and the University of South Africa, alongside multiple research grants for initiatives addressing gender-based financial exclusion, energy poverty, and women’s entrepreneurship across Africa.
Selected Publications
Dr. Ojo has published extensively, with over a dozen journal articles and book chapters. Noteworthy recent works include:
- Ojo, TA (2022). “Impact of Institutional Quality and Governance on Financial Inclusion for Women in South Africa.” Strategic Review for Southern Africa. Cited in articles on gendered finance policy in Southern Africa.
- Ojo, TA (2022). “Digital Financial Inclusion for Women in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” Africa Review. Referenced in studies on AI and gender equity.
- Adunimay, A.W. & Ojo, TA (2022). “Western Centric Medicine for Covid-19.” Frontiers in Political Science. Influential in COVID-19 policy debates in Africa.
- Noorbhai, H & Ojo, TA (2023). “mHealth and e-Learning in Health Sciences Curricula.” BMC Medical Education. Cited in health informatics research.
- Ojo, TA & Mathabathe, R. (2021). “Effectiveness of Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements.” IJITE. Referenced in South African curriculum reform studies.
- Ojo, TA (2021). “Gendered Finance for Peace and Social Injustice.” In Global Dynamics in Africa. Used in policy discussions on economic justice.
- Ojo, TA (2021). “Gendered Finance and Economic Opportunities in SADC.” International Journal of African Renaissance Studies. Cited in BRICS women’s policy reviews.
Conclusion
Dr. Tinuade Ojo exemplifies the integration of rigorous academic research with tangible social impact. Her leadership in gender studies, policy design, and academic mentorship has significantly influenced African scholarship and global gender equity debates. Through her work, she continues to champion inclusive development, empower marginalized voices, and guide future scholars in building more just, equitable societies. Her nomination for an award is a testament to a career defined by purpose, resilience, and excellence.