TITLE (PROF/DR/): PROF.

NAME: ABIODUN ONADEKO

POSITION: PROFESSOR

SPECIALISATION: HERPETOLOGY

EDUCATION/TRAINING (Begin with Bachelor’s degree or other initial professional education, such as nursing, include postdoctoral training and residency training if applicable. Add/delete rows as necessary.)

Personal Statement

My research primarily focuses on study of herpetology (the study of amphibians and reptiles) in Nigeria with particular emphasis on species diversity, conservation, and the ecological impacts of human activities on these species. My research focuses on animal biodiversity and conservation including the physiological studies of a few selected animal species with special focus on anuran species.

In summary, my research interest is based on the ecological characterization and the identification of present and new anuran species in Southern Nigeria (focusing in the Niger Delta).  The climatic effect on their distribution is being investigated.  I am also looking at the effects of anthropogenic and biological activities on the anurans communities hence the need of their conservation.  The reproductive pattern and anatomy (morphology) of the juveniles of some prominent species will be examined to bring about further revelation in their biodiversity.

My work also investigates the exploitation of frogs in West African food markets, and research on the genetic variation of the Nigerian red-headed rock agama.

I am actively involved in academic collaborations, both within Nigeria and internationally, contributing to the broader scientific understanding of biodiversity and conservation in West Africa especially in the area of herpetology.

Positions, Scientific Appointments, and Honours

• Member, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF)
• Member, Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA), South Africa
• Member, Society for the Study of Amphibian and Reptiles (SSAR), U.S.A.
• Member, Society for Experimental Biology of Nigeria (NISEB).
• Member, Faculty of Science Journal Re-organization Committee (2012).
• Member, Faculty of Science Strategic Action Planning Committee (2013).
• Member, Committee on Conservation of Natural Resources, University of Lagos
• Reviewer, Journal of Scientific Research and Development (JSRD)
• Reviewer, Unilag Journal of Medicine, Science and Technology (UJMST)
• Visiting Researcher of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF)
• Visiting researcher of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Calabar, Cross River State

Selected Most Recent Publications/Contributions to Knowledge

1. Onadeko, A.B.,Egonmwan, R.I., Ogunkanmi, L.A. and Ogoanah, S.O. (2025). Amphibian herpetological study of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences. 11(1): 192-207
2. Onadeko, A.B. and Ogunkanmi, L.A. (2024). Comparative geographical distribution and abundance of Xenopusspecies and Hymenochirus species in a secondary swamp forest, Okpara Inland, Delta State, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. Zimbabwe Journal of Science & Technology 19: 1-11
3. Okechukwu, M.O., Akinsanya, B., Onadeko, A.B., Adekoya, K.O. and Isibor, P.O. (2022). Oxidative stress markers in parasitized and non-parasitized Amietophrynus regularis (Reuss, 1833) exposed to multi-stress conditions in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria Biology Bulletin doi: 10:1134/S1062359022130143
4. . Okechukwu, M.O., Akinsanya, B., Isibor, P.O., Daniel-Rugu, J., Onadeko, A.B., Yalwaji, B. and Adekoya, K.O. (2022). Bioaccumulation of organochloride pesticides in the parasite Cosmocerca sp.(Nematoda: Cosmocercidae and the amphibian host Amietophrynus regularis (Reuss, 1833) within Lagos metropolis, Nigeria Toxicology Reports 9: 136-146
5. Onadeko, A.B.and Ogoanah. S.O. (2022). Distributional Ecology of Sclerophrys maculata (Nothern Flat-Backed Toad) and Ptychadena mascareniensis (Mascarene Grass Frog) on the Liberian Refugee Camp, Ijebu-Oru, Nigeria. Science World Journal.17 (1), 180 – 185

 Collaborators/Networks (International inclusive)

1. Mark-Oliver Rodel, Researcher Curator at Museum for Naturakunde-Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity
2. David Blackburn, Curator of Herpetology: Associate Director of Research and Collections, Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainsville, Florida, USA
3. Dr Vaclav Gvozdik, Institute of Vertebrate Biology CAS Studenc 122, Czech Republic
4. Dr Micah Nneji, Assistant Professor, Herpetology Department, Howard University, USA
5. Dr Emmanuella, Lecturer, Department of Zoology,  Ahamadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria