Prof. Ayantunji Benjamin Gbenro, Head of Department, Physical & Life Science
Prof. Ayantunji Benjamin Gbenro, FNIP, is an indigene of Oyo state. He obtained his first Degree in Pure and Applied Physics, B. Tech in the year 2000 from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho. In the year 2005, he received a M. Tech in Applied Physics (Geophysics) from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho. In 2012, he obtained a PhD in Communications Physics from the notable University of Nigeria Nsukka. He was appointed a Professor of Applied Physics by Nmandi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State in February 2024.
PrOF. Ayantunji commence his career at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in the year 2005 and was posted to the Centre for Basic Space Science (CBSS) Nsukka, Enugu, where he established and headed the Atmospheric Division. In the year 2011, he was transferred to Centre for Atmospheric Research (CAR), Ayinba, where he was the pioneer Coordinator; he oversaw the establishment of the centre and the development of its permanent site. In 2013, he was transferred to the NASRDA Head Quarters under Engineering and Space System (ESS) department where he headed the Radio Propagation Research Group and Physical and Life Science Division. In 2017, he was re-deployed to the Department of Planning, Policy and Research (PPR) where he developed the Research policy for the Agency, Intellectual property policy, established the Space Ambassador program, filed and received eight (8) patents for some of the Agency’s research products. He oversaw the Agency’s Private-Public-Partnership (PPP) activities, developed the Agency’s PPP Policy and served as the Chairman of the Project Delivery team for the first two PPP projects approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in the history of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Currently, he is the pioneer Ag. Director of Physical and Life Science Department established in September 6th, 2021 where he provides policy advice and implementation strategies to the Agency related to specific interest of Physical and Life Sciences.
He is active member of many professional bodies, amongst which are:
- Nigeria Institute of Physics (NIP)
- Geophysical Society of Nigeria (GAN)
- Astronomical Society of Nigeria (ASN)
- African Astronomical Society (AfAS)
- Union of Radio Sciences International (URSI)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineer (IEEE)
- Solar Energy Society of Nigeria SESN)
He has published over Seventy (70) research papers in peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings. He is the author of a textbook titled “Simplified Physics” for the use of first year university students.
He was elevated to the prestigious rank of Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Physics, in May 2024.
