TITLE: DR.

NAME: WAKIL AJIBOLA ASEKUN

POSITION: SENIOR LECTURER                              SPECIALISATION: Social Psychology

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Personal Statement

As a mid-career psychology lecturer and researcher, my professional journey has been defined by a steadfast commitment to advancing the understanding of psychological principles and their application in real-world scenarios. With over 6 years of teaching experience before coming to the University of Lagos, and having spent over 7years at the University,  I have developed a multifaceted approach to education that emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and the integration of research into the classroom. My courses, such as Group Processes, Research Methods in Psychology and Psychology of Social change among others, are designed to challenge students to engage deeply with psychological concepts while fostering an environment that encourages diverse perspectives and open discussion. I have always believed that effective teaching goes beyond mere transmission of knowledge; it involves inspiring students to explore and question the complexities of human behavior.

In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I have been actively involved in research that focuses on identity construction, inter-group relations, family studies, and mental health. I have contributed to the field by addressing pressing psychological issues and promoting evidence-based practices within communities. I am passionate about mentoring emerging scholars and collaborating across disciplines to tackle multifaceted challenges in psychology. As I look to the future, I aim to enhance my research efforts while continuing to inspire and prepare the next generation of psychologists to make meaningful contributions to our understanding of the human experience.

Positions, Scientific Appointments, and Honours

             Fellow, International Society for the study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD), 600    

             South Wanger Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA.(June 2024).

• Training Scholarship on Humanitarian Emergency Response, Social Science for Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP), Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, United Kingdom. (March, 2024).
• Top Cited Author 2023 Journal of Social Issues Vol. 2 (3). Wiley
• Fellow, ARUA/Carnegie Corporation of New York, (2021
• Editor,  Lagos Journal of Psychology, publisher: Department of Psychology, University 

of Lagos

• Consulting Editor Journal of Psychology in Africa, Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Reviewer Journal of Child and Family (Springer)

Selected Most Recent Publications /Contributions to Knowledge

1. Asekun, W.A (2024). Understanding Cognitive Development in Nigeria from a Sociocultural Perspective ISSBD Bulletin Supplement to International Journal of Behavioral Development Volume 48 Issue 6S November, 2024: Publisher: Sage
2. Asekun W. A (2023). Gendered political institutions and women’s career identity construction.  A chapter in a book   “Negotiating Identities in Africa: Gender , Religion and Ethno-cultural Identities”.  Asekun. W.A  in Toyin Falola & Emmanuel Mbah, (Eds) Publisher: Rowan & Littlefield, Bloomsbury Publishing Inc.
3. Asekun, W. A (2022). Towards a brighter future: Construction of future expectation among     indigent adolescents in Nigeria. In Tilton-Weaver, L. et al., (Eds). Issues of Child development in Nigeria. Publisher: Markabliss Press.
4. Asekun W. A (2022). Identity construction among remotely acculturating non-migrant youths: Psychological and social implications. Discover Psychology 2:37.  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44202-022-00049-z Publisher: Springer
5. Obioma I.F, Jaga, A, Raina  Asekun, W. A & Hernandez Bark, A.S (2022) Gendered share of housework and the COVID-19 pandemic: Examining self-ratings and speculations of others in Germany, India, Nigeria, and South Africa. Journal of Social Issues. 1-28.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/josi  Publisher: Wiley

 Collaborators/ Networks (International inclusive)

• Principal investigator, Psychosocial correlates of depressive symptoms among Nigerians in diaspora (2025). TETFUND, Abuja
• Member, CO-IND Intellectual disabilities Project, Linkopings University, Sweden (2024)
• Member, John Templeton Funded research project, (PSA- JTF 2). Dignity Honour Face (2024) York University, United Kingdom
• Member, John Templeton Funded research  project, (PSA- JTF 1) Cross-cultural Moral   
• Experiences (2023), Ashland University, United States of America