By: Prof. Olaniyi A. Fawole
In support of African-led innovation and global academic exchange, the Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC), housed within the Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), hosted Professor Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji for a week-long academic engagement from 19 to 23 May 2025.

Prof Adetunji, a distinguished scientist and Director of Research and Innovation at Edo State University Uzairue in Nigeria, brought with him a wealth of expertise in microbiology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. His visit enriched the Centre’s vibrant academic community and fostered cross-border dialogue on impactful research and innovation.
Designed to expose students, postdoctoral researchers, and staff to international best practices in research leadership, scientific innovation, and academic publishing, the visit also aligned with UJ’s broader strategic objective of strengthening intra-African research networks and driving transformative scholarship.
Throughout the week, Prof Adetunji engaged with participants in a series of structured activities, including a public lecture, strategic roundtable, postgraduate masterclass, and informal networking opportunities. His insights supported PARC’s vision of excellence in postharvest science and agroprocessing, while sparking dynamic academic discussions and reinforcing UJ’s role as a hub for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange on the continent.
The public lecture, held on 20 May, attracted students, staff, and academics from across the faculty. On 22 May, Prof Adetunji led a strategic roundtable with postdoctoral fellows and senior researchers, focused on opportunities for collaborative research and innovation. This was followed by a networking lunch that encouraged further exchange of ideas.
The visit concluded on 23 May with a postgraduate masterclass centred on research leadership and conducting impactful, community-oriented research. In total, over 50 participants attended the various activities during the week.
Reflecting on the experience, PARC lab technician Lefika Mosia said the engagement challenged her perspective on academic research:
“I was inspired to realise that our pursuit of academic research should not be driven solely by the goal of obtaining a qualification. Rather, our projects should aim to make meaningful contributions that benefit our communities and, ultimately, the broader global society.”
PhD candidate Priscilla Mukwevho echoed this sentiment, saying Prof Adetunji’s public lecture served as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-belief and ambition:
“Prof Charles emphasised the significance of never limiting yourself and always striving for greater heights. His message reinforced the value of a positive, forward-thinking approach to achieving one’s goals despite challenges. I now better understand the importance of maintaining an ambitious and goal-oriented mindset—and avoiding negative self-talk and limited thinking.”
Prof Adetunji’s visit exemplified the value of collaborative academic exchange and the power of African-led research to address pressing local and global challenges.