Carnegie Corporation of New York
Prof. Azeez O. Olaniyan
Professor
Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Science
Area of Specialization: Comparative Politics
Biography
Professor Azeez Olusola Olaniyan was born to the family of Pa Mohammed and Princess Fayomade Olaniyan at Olowatishi Compound, Uba Quarter, Ogotun Ekiti in Ekiti Southwest Local Government area of Ekiti State. He had his primary and secondary education at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School and Ogotun High School, Ogotun Ekiti, respectively. He worked for some time as an accounts clerk at Ojorube Grammar School, Ogotun Ekiti, before proceeding to the Polytechnic, Ibadan, for a National Diploma in Mass Communication. He emerged as the best graduating student, and won the Departmental Best Prize. In his quest for more knowledge, he enrolled at the University of Ibadan for a degree in Political Science, again emerging on top of the class. After his national service, he returned to his alma mater, UI, for an MSc in Political Science in 2002, and capped it with a PhD in the same discipline in 2007. He received a Certificate in Ethnic and Racial Studies from the Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil in August, 2008. He did his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban, South Africa in 2013. After his youth service at Command Secondary School, Shadawanka Barracks, Bauchi, he was employed by the Ekiti State Primary Education Board (now State Universal Basic Education Board) as an Executive Officer and rose to the rank of a Senior Executive Officer before joining the University of Ado Ekiti (now Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti) as an Assistant Lecturer. Fifteen years later, in year 2020, he was headhunted by the then Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Soremekun, to join the Federal University Oye Ekiti as a professor of political science. His research focuses largely on peace and conflict resolution, security studies, political ecology, governance, and international relations with emphasis on Nigeria,
Research Interests
Peace, Conflict and Security Studies
Democratic Governance
Political Ecology
International Politics
Qualifications
| Degree | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PhD (Political Science) | University of Ibadan, Nigeria | 2007 |
| MSc (Political Science) | University of Ibadan, Nigeria | 2002 |
| B.Sc. (Political Science) | University of Ibadan, Nigeria | 1998 |
Awards
Carnegie Corporation of New York
Rachel Carson Centre for Environment and Society (RCC), Ludwig-Maximillian University, Munich, Germany
Central European University, Budapest, Hungary
African Humanities Program (AHP), New York
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
American Political Science Association (APSA)
Centre for Afro Asia Studies, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
Grants
TETFUND
American Political Science Association
African Peacebuilding Network (APN)
American Political Science Association
African Humanities Program
Scholarship
Programme on Ethnic and Federal Studies (PEFS, University of Ibadan
Programme on Ethnic and Federal Studies (PEFS, University of Ibadan
Prizes
The Polytechnic, Ibadan
Membership of Professional Bodies
Full Member
Full Member
Full Member
Full Member
Paper Presentation - Local
Annual Conference of Social and Management Sciences, Bamidele Olumilua University of Science, Education and Technology, Ikere
Conference on International Sustainable Development and Dialogue, held at Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
7th Professor Atanda Memorial Lecture, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye
National Conference on The Dynamics of Democratic Practice in Nigeria, 1999-2015, at Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Bayero University, Kano
International conference on African Studies in the Twenty-First Century: Past, Present and the Future, Conference Centre, University of Ibadan
National Conference on the 2015 General Elections in Nigeria: The Real Issues, at The Electoral Institute, Abuja
Round-Table Panel Discussion on the 8th National Assembly Senate Presidency: The “Change” Mantra and Quest for Effective Leadership, at the Kwara State University, Malete
Conference on Humanities, Conflict and Development in Africa, at the Redeemers University, Mowe, Ogun State
International Conference on Democratization, Development, and Security in Africa: Options and Challenges; at University of Ilorin
International conference on Leadership and Governance in Africa, organized and sponsored by the Obafemi Awolowo Institute of Government and Public Policy, Lagos
International Conference on Climate Change and Development at the Conference Centre, University of Ibadan
International Conference on The State, Nationalism and Politics: Challenges of Nation-building in Nigeria, at the Conference Centre, University of Ibadan
International Conference on Global Africans, Pan-Africanism, Decolonization and Integration of Africa - Past, Present and Future, International Conference Centre, Abuja
Conference on Nigeria at 50, Excellence Hotel, Ogba Ikeja, Lagos
Conference on Repositioning the Nigerian Cultural Worker for Better Service Delivery at Cultural Centre, Akure, Ondo state
Roundtable on Pockets of Effectiveness in Nigeria: Exceptional Public Organizations and Democratic Change at the Eko Tourist Resort, Akodo, Lagos
Conference on Migration and Settlement Patterns in Yorubaland, at the Conference Centre, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
Conference on Peace Process in West Africa, at the Center for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin
Conference on Reflections on a Decade of Democratization in Nigeria, at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja Lagos
Conference on Nigeria: Towards Consolidation and Stability at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos
Workshop on Conflict and Violence in West Africa, by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan
Conference on Contending Issues in Nigeria’s Election Processes: The 2007 General Elections at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Ikeja
Annual Conference of the Nigeria Political Science Association at Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
National Conference on Nigeria in the Twenty-First Century: Issues and Challenges at the Conference Centre, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
Conference on Nigeria’s Democratic Development, 1999-2007: Trends, Problems, Challenges and Prospects, at the Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Mambayya House, Bayero University, Kano,
Conference on The Dynamics of Inter Group Relations in Nigeria Since1960, at the Conference Centre, University of Ibadan
Paper Presentation - International
The American Political Science Association Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, USA
The American Political Science Association Meeting, Los Angeles, USA
Virtual conference on Farooq Kperogi, The Digital Age and the US-African Diaspora Diplomacy, Pretoria
65th Meeting of the Africa Studies Association (ASA), in Philadelphia, PA, USA
63rd African Studies Association’s Virtual Annual Meeting
63rd African Studies Association’s Virtual Annual Meeting
International Conference for Research on African Challenges (ICRAC), at the American University in Cairo (AUC), Cairo, Egypt
Conference on the Challenges of Governing in North Africa and the Sahel at Conference Room of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington, DC
Conference on Space, Borders, Conflict and Insecurity in West Africa at the Ecole de Maintien de la Paix (EMP), Bamako, Mali
4th Dubai International Conferences on Social Sciences and Humanities, Dubai
60th Meeting of the Africa Studies Association (ASA), in Chicago, USA
60th Meeting of the Africa Studies Association (ASA), in Chicago, USA
Summer School Training/Workshop on the Political Psychology of Populism at Central European University, Budapest, Hungary
International conference on Between Democracy and Big Man Politics: The Micro-level Dynamics of Electoral Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa, Uppsala, Sweden
AEGIS Thematic Conference on Africa in the Global South: Biographies of Mobility and Aspirations of Success, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
Advanced and Intensive Methodological Training Workshop and Conference on Political Economy at Boma Inn, Nairobi Kenya
International conference on OAU/AU at 50 and Beyond: The Quests for African Solution for African Problems (ASAP), University of Tshwane, Pretoria, South Africa
International conference on Africa and the Diaspora in the New Millennium, the University of Missouri, St. Louis, USA
International conference on Second Scrabble for Africa at Africa, University of Tshwane, Pretoria, South Africa
International conference on Politics, Poverty and Prayer: Global African Spiritualities and Social Transformation, at the African International University, Nairobi, Kenya
International Conference on The Involvement of the Private Security Sector in African Conflicts, Peacekeeping Missions and Humanitarian Assistance Operations, Nairobi, Kenya
Experts Roundtable on Proxy Border Conflicts and their Impact on Peace Processes in Africa, Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict Prevention, Accra, Ghana
Experts Roundtable on the State of the Union 2030: Security Threats and Responses, Speke Hotel (Munyonyo Resort), Kampala, Uganda
International conference on The Role of Elites in Economic Development, Helsinki, Finland
International conference on Teaching and Propagating Africa’s History to the Diaspora and Teaching and Propagating Diaspora History to Africa at the State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
International Workshop on Citizenship, Human Rights and Identity Formation at Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
International Colloquium on Global African Spirituality, Social Capital and Self-Reliance in Africa
Postgraduate Ph.D Supervision
Nuclear regulation and management in Nigeria: A study of the Nigeria Nuclear Regulation Agency
Terrorism and the security of cultural heritage in Timbuktu, Mali
The security implications of Ekiti State House of Assembly crisis, 2010-2022
Local government and service delivery in Ekiti State, 1999-2024
Postgraduate M.Sc Supervision
Commercial drivers and violent conflict in Ado, Ekiti, Nigeria
Movement for the actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and national security in Nigeria.
Widowhood inheritance and conflict in southwestern Nigeria: Case study of Ilaje people of Ondo State
National Union of Road Transport Workers and Security Challenges in Lagos, State, Nigeria
Peace ecology and insecurity in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria
Gender representation in the administrative cadre of Ekiti State Civil Service
Course Teaching
The Nigerian Foreign Policy
Academic and Seminar Writing
The Nigerian Foreign Policy
Research Methods in Mass Communication
Custom Fields
Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, 2025-Date
African Politics Conference Group (APCG), 2021-2023
Committee on Drafting of Ekiti State Youth Policy, Ministry of Youth Development, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, 2024-2025
Ansar-Ud-Deen Society at 75 Anniversary in Ekiti State, 2025
Ogotun Development Union, 2024-Date
Ekiti South West Local Government, Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti State, 2010-2012
Ifelodun Age-Grade Group, Uba Quarter, Ogotun Ekiti, 2008-Date
Muslim Ummah of Southwestern Nigeria (MUSWEN), 2021-Date
Coronation Ceremony of Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti, 2023
African Studies Review Best Africa-Focused Dissertation Prize, 2023
Ogotun Hall of Fame, 2025-Date
Kujenga Amani Special Edition for Nigeria 2019 General Election
Ubuntu: Journal of Conflict Transformation, 2015
African Renaissance, 2016
Studies in Social Sciences, 2023-2025
Meeting of ECOWAS Directors and Heads of Institutions to review the compact of the future of regional integration in West Africa, Accra, Ghana, 6th - 8th May, 2026
ECOWAS Regional Consultative Meeting on the “Future of Trade, Economic Integration and Sustainable Development in West Africa” in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 2nd – 6th March, 2026
High-Level Reflections Conference on “The Future of Democratic Governance, Constitutional Order and Good Governance in West Africa”, organized by ECOWAS Commission in Accra, Ghana, on 24-26 September, 2025
Panel on Democracy in West Africa at the American Political Science Association (APSA) Annual Meeting, Philadelphia Convention Centre, Philadelphia, PA, 07 September, 2024
Virtual Book Launch - Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of Ex-Combatants in Africa, organized by the African Peacebuilding Network, New York, 25 March, 2024
African Research Development Group (RDG), at the American Political Science Association (APSA) Annual Meeting held at Los Angeles Convention Centre, Los Angeles, CA, 29-30 August, 2023
International Conference on Leadership and Governance for Sustainable Development and Wealth Creation, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, 19 October, 2023
Dissertation Workshop on Political Violence, a short course/training programme for advanced doctoral students at the American Political Science Association (APSA) Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada, 14 -17 September, 2022
African Research Development Group (RDG) short course/training programme for emerging African Scholars at the American Political Science Association (APSA) Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, 29 September – 03 October, 2021
International Colloquium on The Challenges of Governing North Africa and the Sahel, sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), Washington, DC, 8 May, 2018
Selected Publications
Guardians or Gatekeepers? Security agencies and electoral integrity in Nigeria
Authors: Bello, AO, Akinlade, MA; Olaniyan, AO
International Journal of Criminology and Security Studies • 2026
Open publicationChaotic party primaries and democratic consolidation in Nigeria
Authors: Olaniyan, AO & Ariyo, O
African Journal of Develomental Integrity and Peace Studies • 2026
Open publicationA Comparative Review of the Federal Security Models in Nigeria and the United States of America
Authors: Akapoti-Ajibola, SJ, Olaniyan, AO & Iseolorunkanmi, J.
Perspectives on Federalism, 17 (1): 82-121 • 2025
Open publicationUngoverned spaces and kidnapping in Nigeria
Authors: Olaniyan, AO
The Political Economy of Kidnapping and Insecurity in Nigria • 2024
Open publicationMortal ‘mistakes’, fatal consequences: understanding Nigeria’s mis-targeted counter-insurgency airstrike fatalities
Authors: Okoli CO, Olaniyan, AO & Ayegbusi, TR
Small Wars & Insurgencies • 2024
Open publicationOf dancing python and smiling crocodile: Interrogting military visibility in Nigeria’s democratic space,
Authors: Olaniyan, AO, Omilusi, MO & Bello, AO
Security Science Journal • 2024
Open publicationWhen two elephants’ fight: Insurgency, counterinsurgency and environmental sufferings in northeastern Nigeria
Authors: Olaniyan, AO & Ufo Okeke-Uzodike
Journal of Contemporary African Studies • 2021
Open publicationElection sophistication and the changing contours of vote buying in Nigeria’s 2019 general elections
Authors: Olaniyan, AO
The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, • 2020
Open publicationAn Investigation into the causes and effects of women political underrepresentation in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Elias, M. O; Olaniyan, A
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Sciences • 2020
Open publicationA bad child has his own day: Gwama Boys and post-conflict peace-building dilemma in oil-bearing communities of Ondo state, Nigeria
Authors: Olaniyan, AO
African Identities • 2020
Open publicationFoliage and violence: Interrogating forests as a security threat in Nigeria
Authors: African Security Review
African Security Review • 2018
Open publicationInnovative anti-corruption measures and institution building in Nigeria
Authors: Arowolo, D & Olaniyan, A
Journal of African Political Economy and Development • 2018
Open publicationBeyond the mantra of ‘stomach infrastructure’: Ekiti politics and the sociology of voting in the 2015 general elections
Authors: Olaniyan, AO
Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Management • 2018
Open publicationClimate war: Migration, adaptation and farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria
Authors: Akinyemi, TE & Olaniyan, AO
Conflict Studies Quarterly • 2017
Open publicationThe politics of renewed quest for Biafra republic in Nigeria,
Authors: Johnson, I & Olaniyan, AO
Defense and Security Analysis • 2017
Open publicationNigeria and vision 20:2020: Building castle in the air?
Authors: Olaniyan, A. O & Adetoye D
Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science • 2016
Open publicationWhat about the followers? Leadership-development deficits and the place of followership in Nigeria
Authors: Olaniyan, AO
Ubuntu: Journal of Conflicts and Social Transformation • 2016
Open publicationCows, Bandits, and Violent Conflicts: Understanding Cattle Rustling in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Olaniyan, A., & Yahaya, A.
Africa Spectrum • 2016
Open publicationDesperate guests, unwilling hosts: climate change-induced migration and farmer-herder conflicts in south-western Nigeria
Authors: Olaniyan, A. O & Ufo Okeke-Uzodike
Conflict Studies Quarterly • 2015
Open publicationElection as warfare: militarization of elections and the challenges of democratic consolidation in Nigeria
Authors: Olaniyan, AO & Amao, OB
International Affairs Forum • 2015
Open publicationThe cattle are Ghanaians but the herders are strangers: Farmer-herder conflicts, expulsion policy and pastoralist question in Agogo, Ghana
Authors: Olaniyan, A. O, Michael Francis and Ufo Okeke-
African Studies Quarterly • 2015
Open publicationAfrica’s great green wall and the lessons of history
Authors: Olaniyan, AO
UNILAG Journal of Politics • 2015
Open publicationBoko Haram and the challenges of securing the Nigerian state
Authors: Olaniyan, AO
African Renaissance • 2015
Open publicationFulani-Konkomba conflict and management strategies in Gushiegu, Ghana
Authors: Olaniyan, AO
Journal of Applied Security Research • 2015
Open publicationEthnic Crises and national security in Nigeria,
Authors: Olaniyan, AO & Omotola, JS
Defense and Security Analysis • 2015
Open publicationProxy border wars and conflict resolution strategies in Mano River and Darfur regions of Africa
Authors: Olaniyan, AO
Afrika • 2015
Open publicationBoko Haram insurgency and the widening of cleavages in Nigeria
Authors: Olaniyan, AO & Asuelime, L
African Security • 2014
Open publicationMinorization of the majority: the politics of Ekiti state creation and the limits of homogeneity thesis in Nigeria
Authors: Adetoye D & Olaniyan, AO &
Journal of Social Sciences • 2014
Open publicationFrom Accommodation to Discrimination and Exclusion: The changing Contour of Inter-Group Relations in Africa
Authors: Olaniyan, AO
African Journal of Political Science • 2008
Open publication