North-West University (NWU) academic and now full professor in microbial biotechnology, Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, delivered her inaugural lecture titled “Small but tangible, let the feasting begin” on 18 May 2018.  

In attendance at the public lecture was Prof Sonia Swanepoel, who attended on behalf of the NWU vice-chancellor, Prof Dan Kgwadi, Prof Eno Ebenso, executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, as well as fellow academic staff and students.

Prof Babalola joined the NWU as a senior lecturer in the former Biology Department on the campus in Mahikeng in 2009. She is currently also the director of the Food Security and Safety research niche area.

Prof Babalola’s academic work has appeared in more than 125 refereed scientific papers, she has authored 17 book chapters, edited one book and presented more than 100 conference abstracts on plant-microbe interactions. As part of her academic responsibilities, she has supervised students from all over Africa, with 13 master’s degrees and seven doctoral degrees successfully awarded.

“I wish to thank my parents, former teachers and lecturers, colleagues, students, collaborators, funders, friends and all of my well-wishers. Most of all I would like to thank my husband – this is for your unwavering support and love,” concluded Prof Babalola.  

Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola delivers her inaugural lecture titled “Small but tangible, let the feasting begin”.