RAIMI Idris Olawale

Lecturer & Ethnobotanist
Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University,, BC220005, Ile-Ife, NG.

About

Highly accomplished Ethnobotanist and Ecologist with a Ph.D. in Botany, specializing in indigenous medicinal plants, environmental toxicology, and phytoremediation. Proven expertise in academic instruction, research supervision, and securing grant funding, with a strong publication record and a commitment to advancing sustainable scientific solutions and ecological understanding. Adept at leading complex research projects, mentoring students, and contributing to interdisciplinary scientific collaborations.

Work

Obafemi Awolowo University
|

Senior Lecturer, Department of Botany

Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Summary

Leading academic instruction, curriculum development, and advanced research initiatives within the Department of Botany, specializing in ethnobotany and environmental ecology.

Highlights

Supervised 11 Bachelor's (Hons) thesis projects, guiding students through research on topics including soil CO2 production, heavy metal pollution, and forest conservation.

Mentored 2 Master's students to successful completion, focusing on critical environmental impact assessments and floristic composition studies.

Guided 2 Ph.D. candidates to completion, with research contributions spanning threatened tree species conservation and plant community assessment.

Secured a TETFUND National Research Fund Grant (24-month cycle, awarded Jan 2024) for the "Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Aldo-benzimidazole Derivatives as Sustainable Mitigators of Biotic and Abiotic Corrosion of Metals" project.

Conducted extensive collaborative research on indigenous African plants, investigating cytotoxic effects, edibility, biological activities, and corrosion inhibition properties with international universities.

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
|

Assistant Lecturer, Department of Biology

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Coordinated practical sessions and supervised Honors and Masters research, contributing to academic excellence in Biology.

Highlights

Coordinated practical sessions for biology courses, enhancing the laboratory skills and scientific understanding of numerous students.

Supervised Honors and Masters research projects, providing guidance on experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Contributed to the development and delivery of curriculum content, integrating expertise in ethnobotany and environmental science.

Supported departmental and faculty initiatives, actively participating in academic committees and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Medlide Matric Upgrade School
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Life Science Educator (Teaching)

South Africa, South Africa

Summary

Delivered comprehensive Life Science instruction, preparing students for matriculation examinations and fostering scientific literacy.

Highlights

Delivered engaging and effective instruction in Life Sciences, contributing to improved student comprehension and academic performance.

Developed and implemented tailored teaching strategies to address diverse learning needs and enhance student engagement with complex biological concepts.

Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support their individual educational goals.

Contributed to curriculum planning and the preparation of educational materials, ensuring alignment with national standards for matric upgrade programs.

Tiopharms Healthcare Services
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Quality Control Personnel

Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria

Summary

Ensured the adherence to stringent quality standards and regulatory compliance for healthcare products and services.

Highlights

Implemented robust quality control protocols, maintaining high standards for healthcare products and services.

Conducted thorough inspections and tests, proactively identifying and resolving quality issues to minimize defects and ensure product integrity.

Collaborated effectively with production teams to optimize processes, leading to enhanced overall product quality and efficiency.

Maintained meticulous records of all quality checks and compliance activities, ensuring strict adherence to industry regulations and internal policies.

Obafemi Awolowo University
|

Research Support Staff, Department of Botany

Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Summary

Provided essential research and technical support for various projects within the Department of Botany, contributing to scientific investigations.

Highlights

Supported diverse research projects, including studies on the phytoremediation potential of plants in crude oil-contaminated soil.

Assisted in the meticulous collection and analysis of data, laboratory experiments, and field investigations for ecological and ethnobotanical studies.

Contributed significantly to the preparation of research reports and academic publications, ensuring accuracy and scientific rigor.

Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring optimal functionality and availability for ongoing research activities.

Volunteer

Ibadan Indigenes in Diaspora
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Member

Nigeria, Nigeria

Summary

Contributed to community initiatives and cultural preservation efforts for Ibadan indigenes both locally and internationally.

Highlights

Participated actively in community development projects, promoting the cultural heritage and welfare of Ibadan indigenes.

Engaged in networking and outreach activities, strengthening ties and fostering collaboration within the diaspora community.

Supported initiatives aimed at improving educational and social outcomes for community members, demonstrating civic responsibility.

Obafemi Awolowo University
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Hall Fellow, Angola Hostel

Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Summary

Provided mentorship and administrative support to university students, fostering a positive residential and academic environment.

Highlights

Mentored numerous university students, fostering a supportive and conducive living and learning environment within the hostel.

Managed student welfare and effectively resolved residential issues, significantly contributing to a positive campus experience.

Organized and facilitated various social and academic programs for hostel residents, enhancing community engagement.

Liaised between students and university administration, ensuring effective communication and prompt resolution of concerns.

Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Students' Association (UNIFEMGA)
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Member

Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Summary

Actively participated in student association activities, promoting academic and spiritual growth within the university community.

Highlights

Contributed to the organization and execution of educational and religious programs for university students.

Engaged in various community service projects, upholding the association's values and mission.

Collaborated effectively with student leaders to foster a positive, inclusive, and academically supportive environment.

Education

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Ph.D.

Botany (Ethnobotany/Ethnomedicine)

Courses

Ethnobotany

Ethnomedicine

Plant Taxonomy

Phytochemistry

Environmental Toxicology

Obafemi Awolowo University
Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

M.Sc.

Ecology

Courses

Ecology

Environmental Science

Phytoremediation

Bioremediation

Environmental Impact Assessment

Obafemi Awolowo University
Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

B.Sc.

Botany

Courses

Plant Morphology

Plant Physiology

Taxonomy

Genetics

Environmental Botany

Awards

National Research Foundation Fellowship

Awarded By

National Research Foundation, South Africa

Awarded a prestigious research fellowship to support advanced scientific inquiry and collaboration, recognizing significant potential in the field.

Publications

In vitro anti-HIV, cytotoxicity and nutritional analysis of Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae).

Published by

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

Summary

Investigated the anti-HIV, cytotoxic, and nutritional properties of Trianthema portulacastrum, identifying potential therapeutic applications of this plant.

Recalibrating the correlation between climate change mitigation policy and environmental performance in Sub-Saharan Africa: implications for biosphere resilience and renewable energy transition.

Published by

The Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy

Summary

Analyzed the relationship between climate change mitigation policies and environmental performance in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering insights for biosphere resilience and renewable energy transitions.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by traditional healers for the treatment of cancer in Hammanskraal and Winterveld, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa.

Published by

African Health Sciences

Summary

Documented and analyzed medicinal plants used by traditional healers for cancer treatment in specific South African regions, contributing to the preservation of indigenous knowledge.

Levels of trace metals in five anticancer medicinal plants harvested from soil treated with organic and inorganic fertilizers.

Published by

Current Topics in Toxicology

Summary

Analyzed trace metal concentrations in anticancer medicinal plants grown in soils treated with various fertilizers, assessing potential risks and benefits for ethnobotanical applications.

Potential medicinal, nutritive and antiviral food plants: Africa's plausible answer to the low Covid-19 mortality.

Published by

Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology

Summary

Explored the medicinal, nutritive, and antiviral properties of African food plants, suggesting their role in public health responses, including the low COVID-19 mortality rates observed in Africa.

An appraisal of documented medicinal plants used for the treatment of cancer in Africa over a twenty-year period (1998-2018).

Published by

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Summary

Conducted a comprehensive review of medicinal plants utilized in Africa for cancer treatment, analyzing trends and efficacy over two decades.

Bioaccumulation potential of Cynodon dactylon Linn. in crude oil contaminated soil.

Published by

Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation

Summary

Investigated the capacity of Cynodon dactylon to accumulate heavy metals in crude oil-contaminated soil, demonstrating its potential for phytoremediation.

Languages

English

Skills

Research & Analysis

Ethnobotany, Ethnomedicine, Ecology, Environmental Science, Phytoremediation, Bioremediation, Toxicology, Plant Taxonomy, Data Analysis, Scientific Writing, Experimental Design, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Statistical Analysis.

Laboratory Techniques

Cell Culture, Cytotoxicity Testing, Enzyme Assays, Spectrophotometry, Chromatography, Soil Analysis, Plant Extraction, Microscopy, xCELLigence Real-time Analyzer.

Teaching & Mentorship

Curriculum Development, Lecturing, Student Supervision, Thesis Guidance, Practical Coordination, Academic Advising.

Project Management

Grant Writing, Research Project Management, Collaborative Research, Stakeholder Management, Project Planning.

Software & Modeling

MaxEnt Modeling, DFT Calculations, Monte Carlo Simulations.

Interpersonal Skills

Cross-functional Collaboration, Team Leadership, Communication, Presentation Skills, Mentorship.

Interests

Hobbies

Reading, Watching Football, Traveling.

References

Prof. Odiwe A.I

Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Nigeria. Phone: +2347034392721. Email: aiodiwe@oauife.edu.ng

Prof. Saheed S.A

Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Nigeria. Phone: +2348069151972. Email: saheed@oauife.edu.ng

Prof. Adekunle S.A

Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Nigeria. Phone: +2348105352062. Email: aadekunle@oauife.edu.ng

Dr. Jimoh MA.

Department of Plant Biology, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Phone: +2348034311843. Email: mahboob.jimoh@uniosun.edu.ng

Projects

Cytotoxic Effects of African Indigenous Plants

Summary

Non-funded research testing the cytotoxic effects of indigenous African plant extracts on various human cell lines, including intestinal epithelial, breast cancer (MCF-7), and dental pulp stem cells.

Profiling Edibility and Biological Activities of South African Indigenous Plants

Summary

Collaborative research focused on profiling the edibility, biological activities (antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, anticancer, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory), and nutraceutical properties of indigenous South African plants.

Biological and Corrosion Inhibition Activities of South African Indigenous Plants

Summary

Ongoing research focused on profiling indigenous South African plants for their biological and corrosion inhibition activities, exploring eco-friendly applications.

Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Aldo-benzimidazole Derivatives as Sustainable Mitigators of Biotic and Abiotic Corrosion of Metals

Summary

A TETFUND National Research Fund Grant-funded project focused on developing sustainable solutions for metal corrosion using novel organic compounds.