{"id":3947,"date":"2025-05-23T12:09:05","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T12:09:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/?page_id=3947"},"modified":"2025-05-23T12:18:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T12:18:35","slug":"prof-matthew-olusoji-ilori","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/?page_id=3947","title":{"rendered":"PROF. MATTHEW OLUSOJI ILORI"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"3947\" class=\"elementor elementor-3947\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-142a2b7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"142a2b7\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-54e6967\" data-id=\"54e6967\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2dbb376 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2dbb376\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.11.5 - 14-03-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ilori-1-300x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-3949\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ilori-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ilori-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ilori-1-146x146.jpg 146w, https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ilori-1-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ilori-1-75x75.jpg 75w, https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ilori-1-85x85.jpg 85w, https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ilori-1-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ilori-1.jpg 475w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2cfb931 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2cfb931\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a4b3dc0\" data-id=\"a4b3dc0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-03845ce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"03845ce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.11.5 - 14-03-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#818a91;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#818a91;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p><br><\/p>\n<p>TITLE (PROF\/DR\/): <strong><b>PROFESSOR <\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>NAME: <strong><b>MATTHEW OLUSOJI ILORI<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>POSITION:&nbsp;<strong><b>PROFESSOR<\/b><\/strong> SPECIALISATION<strong><b>: Environmental Microbiology &amp; Microbial Biotechnology<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>EDUCATION\/TRAINING <em>(Begin with Bachelor\u2019s degree or other initial professional education, such as nursing, include postdoctoral training and residency training if applicable. Add\/delete rows as necessary.)<\/em><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"348\">\n<p>INSTITUTION AND LOCATION<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"96\">\n<p>DEGREE<\/p>\n<p><em>(if applicable)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"105\">\n<p>Completion Date<\/p>\n<p>MM\/YYYY<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"172\">\n<p>FIELD OF STUDY<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"348\">\n<p>University of Lagos- Akoka, Lagos Nigeria<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"96\">\n<p>B.Sc.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"105\">\n<p>06\/1984<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"172\">\n<p>Biology<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"348\">\n<p>University of Lagos- Akoka, Lagos Nigeria<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"96\">\n<p>M.Phil.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"105\">\n<p>1\/1991<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"172\">\n<p>Microbiology<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"348\">\n<p>University of Lagos- Akoka, Lagos Nigeria<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"96\">\n<p>Ph.D.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"105\">\n<p>11\/1998<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"172\">\n<p>Microbiology<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"348\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td width=\"96\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td width=\"105\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td width=\"172\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"348\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td width=\"96\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td width=\"105\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td width=\"172\">&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><strong style=\"letter-spacing: 0px;\">Personal Statement<\/strong>\n<p>My research focus is on the microbial degradation of recalcitrant environmental pollutants, including crude oil, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. I have also worked extensively on heavy metal biodetoxification, biodecommissioning of PCB contaminated soils; pesticides biodegradation; metagenomic profiling of bacterial communities from polluted soils; molecular characterization of microbes and their spoilage risks to museum books and artifacts; bacterial bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to chemicals, organic acids &amp; biofuel; whole genome sequencing and DNA annotation of PCB degrading bacteria; mobilization &amp; expression of catabolic plasmids in heterologous hosts and textile dyestuff removal by micro-algal species. Over the years, my work has contributed prominently to cleaner environments through smart, efficient and robust waste management systems that have promoted the formulation of policies and practices which aligns with different global sustainable development goals.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>I am a recipient of many awards, research grants and honours some of which include UNESCO Fellowship in Biotechnology, Alexander von Humboldt (AvH) Fellowship, Royal Society Fellowship, Fulbright African Research Scholar Fellowship, and DAAD International Deans&#8217; Course Fellowship. I have contributed a tangible quota to empowering young scientists many of who have successfully carved out their own niches in various global settings. My current multidisciplinary research goal is in development of models of Rhizospheric bacterial biofertilisers that solubilize phosphate rock, trap atmospheric nitrogen, sequester toxic heavy metals, produce plant growth hormones and consume recalcitrant hydrocarbon pollutants. My goal is the scalability of the research products in an affordable manner across the farming communities. This is geared towards addressing the global food production challenges. I ultimately look towards using my research to address youth unemployment, poverty reduction and cleaner and sustainable environment.<\/p><p><strong style=\"letter-spacing: 0px;\">Positions, Scientific Appointments, and Honours<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>2023 &#8211; Date: Director, Academic Planning, University of Lagos<\/p>\n<p>2022 \u2013 Date: University of Lagos Governing Council<\/p>\n<p>2019 \u2013 2023: Director, Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS), University of Lagos<\/p>\n<p>2012 &#8211; 2016:&nbsp;Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos<\/p>\n<p>2011 \u2013 2012:<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>Head, Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos<\/p>\n<p>2010- 2012: Director, Centre for General Studies, University of Lagos<\/p>\n<p>2010- 2012: Hall Master, Prof. Saburi Biobaku Hall, University of Lagos<\/p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><strong style=\"letter-spacing: 0px;\">Selected Most Recent Publications\/Contributions to Knowledge .<\/strong><\/p><ol>\n<li>Momoh-Salami, T. M., Akinyemi, N. M., Oyetibo, G. O., Ajiboye, G. A., Adams, L. A., Ogunkanmi, L. A, and <strong><b>Ilori, M. O<\/b><\/strong>. (2025). Ecological biogeography of maize rhizosphere underpins spatial variation of bacteriome and phylotypes for maize productivity, <strong><b>Applied Soil Ecology,<\/b><\/strong>206 doi.org\/10.1016\/j.apsoil.2025.105889<\/li>\n<li>Momoh-Salami, T. M., Akinyemi, N. M., Oyetibo, G. O., Ajiboye, G. A., Adams, L. A., Ogunkanmi, L. A, and <strong><b>Ilori, M. O<\/b><\/strong>. (2024). Bioremediation and Growth Promoting Effects of Identified<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Bacteria from Different Soil Locations in Nigeria<strong><b>. <\/b><\/strong><strong><em><b><i>Ife Journal of Science <\/i><\/b><\/em><\/strong><strong><b>vol. 26, no. 3 <\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Ogunyemi, A. K., Buraimoh, O. M., Dauda, W. P., Akapo, O. O., Ogunyemi, B. C., Samuel, T. A., <strong><b>Ilori, M. O<\/b><\/strong>. and Amund, O. O. (2024). Unveiling genome sequence of <em><i>Bacillus safensis<\/i><\/em>strain WOB7KX774196, a linamarin-utilizing bacterium (LUB) isolated from cassava wastewater (CWW) in Lagos State, Nigeria. <em><i>Microbiology Resource Announcement. <\/i><\/em>10.1128\/mra.00247-24\/1-4.<\/li>\n<li>Ogunyemi, A. K., Buraimoh, O. M., Dauda, W. P., Akapo, O. O., Ogunyemi, B. C., Samuel, T. A., <strong><b>Ilori, M. O<\/b><\/strong>. and Amund, O. O. (2024). Draft genome sequence of <em><i>Bacillus safensis<\/i><\/em>strain WOIS2KX774194, a nitrile-metabolizing bacterium isolated from solid waste leachates at Olusosun dumpsite, Ojota, Lagos State, Nigeria. <em><i>Microbiology Resource Announcement. <\/i><\/em><br>10.1128\/mra.00119-24\/1-4.<\/li>\n<li>U. Rashid Sumaila, Lubna Alam, Patrizia R. Abdallah, Denis Aheto, Shehu L. Akintola, Justin Alger, Vania Andreoli, Megan Bailey, Colin Barnes, Abdulrahman Ben-Hasan, Cassandra M. Brooks, Adriana R. Carvalho, William W. L. Cheung, Andr\u00e9s M. Cisneros-Montemayor, Jessica Dempsey, Sharina A. Halim, Nathalie Hilmi, <strong><b>Matthew O. Ilori<\/b><\/strong>, Jennifer Jacquet,Selma T. Karuaihe, Philippe Le Billon, James Leape, Tara G. Martin, Jessica J. Meeuwig, Fiorenza Micheli, Mazlin Mokhtar, Rosamond L. Naylor, David Obura, Maria L. D. Palomares, Laura M. Pereira, Abbie A. Rogers, Ana M. M. Sequeira, Temitope O. Sogbanmu, Sebastian Villasante, Dirk Zeller and Daniel Pauly (2024). <strong><b>WTO Must Complete An Ambitious Fisheries Subsidies Agreement<\/b><\/strong>. <em><i>npj-Ocean Sustainability<\/i><\/em>. 2024)3:6; <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s44183-024-00042-0\"><u>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s44183-024-00042-0<\/u><\/a>.<\/li><li><strong><b>Collaborators\/ Networks (International inclusive<\/b><\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>D<\/strong><strong>r<\/strong><strong>G<\/strong><strong>ary <\/strong><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>R<\/strong><strong>o<\/strong><strong>bin<\/strong><strong>s<\/strong><strong>on<\/strong>, &nbsp;Department&nbsp;of&nbsp;Biosciences, &nbsp;University&nbsp;of &nbsp;Kent, &nbsp;Canterbury&nbsp;CT2 &nbsp;7NJ,&nbsp;United&nbsp;Kingdom.<\/li>\n<li><strong> Ingulf Schuphan<\/strong>, Biologie V, RWTH-Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pro<\/strong><strong>f<\/strong><strong>Mike Benedik<\/strong>, Texas A&amp;M University, College Station, Department of Biology, Texas, U<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TITLE (PROF\/DR\/): PROFESSOR NAME: MATTHEW OLUSOJI ILORI POSITION:&nbsp;PROFESSOR SPECIALISATION: Environmental Microbiology &amp; Microbial Biotechnology EDUCATION\/TRAINING (Begin with Bachelor\u2019s degree or other initial professional education, such as<span class=\"excerpt-hellip\"> [\u2026]<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3947"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3947"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3947\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4003,"href":"https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3947\/revisions\/4003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/science.unilag.edu.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3947"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}