The University of Lagos is pleased to formally welcome Professor Lawal Adedoyin Isola, an accomplished scholar, prolific researcher, and respected thought leader in Finance and Economics, as the Chair Occupier of the UBA Professorial Chair of Finance.

Professor Ishola currently serves as a Research Professor of Economics and Head of the Economics Department at Bowen University, Iwo, where he has distinguished himself through outstanding scholarship, mentorship, and academic leadership. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing economic thought, policy relevance, and human capital development within Nigeria and beyond.

His academic journey spans notable institutions and interdisciplinary research domains, including financial economics, energy economics, agricultural economics, and development economics. Prior to his appointment at Bowen University, Professor Ishola served as an Associate Professor/Reader at Landmark University, contributing significantly to teaching, research innovation, and the growth of academic programmes in economics and finance.

Professor Ishola earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Finance from Covenant University in 2017, following a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ilorin (2006) and a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from Bayero University, Kano (2010). These qualifications underpin a scholarly career marked by intellectual rigor and practical relevance.

His research excellence has attracted both national and international recognition. He was ranked the 9th most productive economic researcher in Nigeria by the AD-Scientific Index in both 2021 and 2022, and achieved No. 1 ranking in Financial Economics and No. 2 ranking in Energy Economics within the same index. These distinctions reflect the depth, consistency, and impact of his scholarly output.

Beyond publications, Professor Ishola has contributed to several internationally funded research projects, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Humanity and Social Science Youth Foundation (China), and the State Grid Corporation of China. His research has been presented at leading global platforms such as Harvard University, Imperial College London, and major academic conferences across Africa.

He also serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for reputable international journals and holds memberships in key professional bodies, including the American Economic Association, American Finance Association, Africa Finance and Economic Association, and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

As Professor Lawal Adedoyin Isola joins the University of Lagos, the institution celebrates a scholar whose expertise, work ethic, and intellectual contributions continue to shape financial research and policy discourse. UNILAG warmly welcomes him and looks forward to the leadership, mentorship, and academic excellence he will bring to the UBA Professorial Chair of Finance, further strengthening the university’s tradition of scholarship and impact.

Office of Advancement, University of Lagos