Department of Sociology

As a department, we are passionate about understanding the complexities of human society. We believe that sociology has the power to transform our understanding of the world and our place within it. Our department is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity.

Producing Leaders and Change-Makers

Over the years, we have graduated numerous students at both the Master’s and PhD levels, many of whom have gone on to become leaders and change-makers in their respective fields. Our alumni network is a testament to the department’s commitment to producing well-rounded, critically thinking, and socially engaged graduates.

Our History

The Department of Sociology has a proud history that spans over four decades. As one of the pioneering departments of the university, formerly known as Ogun State University, we have been at the forefront of sociological education and research since our inception in 1983.

Milestones and Achievements

  • 1983: The Department of Sociology admits its first set of students, marking the beginning of a legacy of academic excellence.
  • 2014: The department launches its Master’s program in Sociology, providing students with advanced training in sociological theory and research methods.
  • 2014: The Ph.D. program in Sociology is established, solidifying the department’s position as a hub for cutting-edge sociological research.

Academic Programmes

We offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes that cater to diverse interests and career aspirations.

1. Undergraduate

The Department of Sociology offers a comprehensive undergraduate programme that provides students with a solid foundation in sociological theories, concepts, and research methods.

Our courses cover a wide range of topics, including:

  1. General Sociological Perspectives
  2. Sociological Theories
  3. Research Methods
  4. Social Problems and Issues
  5. Medical Sociology
  6. Industrial Sociology
  7. Sociology of Work
  8. Criminology and Deviant Behavior
  9. Sociology of Music

Our undergraduate programme is designed to provide students with a broad-based education in sociology, while also offering opportunities for specialization in specific areas of interest.

2. Postgraduate

At the postgraduate level, we offer advanced degrees in sociology that provide students with specialized training in research and academic scholarship. Our postgraduate programmes include:

  1. Master of Science  in Sociology
  2. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology

Our postgraduate programmes are designed to provide students with advanced training in sociological research and theory, while also offering opportunities for specialization in specific areas of interest.

3. Professional (Upcoming)

In addition to our academic programmes, we are also in the process of developing professional programmes in social work and social justice.

These programmes will provide students with specialized training in practical skills and knowledge, while also emphasizing the importance of social justice and human rights.

Research Areas

Our department is committed to addressing the most pressing social issues of our time, including inequality, social justice, and human development. Our faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, and we have a strong track record of collaborative research with local and international partners.

Facilities for Student Training

We pride ourselves on providing our graduate students with access to cutting-edge facilities that support their academic and research pursuits.

Our facilities are designed to foster a conducive learning environment, promote innovative research, and enhance the overall student experience.

1. Computer Room

Our department’s computer room is equipped with modern computers and specialized software, including:

  • Statistical analysis software (SPSS, R, STATA)
  • Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)
  • Qualitative data analysis software (NVivo, Atlas.ti)

The computer room provides a comfortable and quiet space for students to work on their research projects, analyse data, and develop their technical skills.

2. Library and Resource Center

Our library and resource centre is a comprehensive repository of sociological knowledge, featuring:

  • An extensive collection of books, journals, and online resources on sociology and related fields
  • Access to top-tier academic databases and research repositories
  • Quiet study spaces, group work areas, and multimedia facilities
3. Seminar and Conference Rooms

Our department is equipped with modern seminar and conference rooms, perfect for:

  • Guest lectures and workshops
  • Research seminars and colloquia
  • Student presentations and defenses
4. Fieldwork and Internship Opportunities

We offer our graduate students opportunities to engage in fieldwork and internships with reputable organisations, providing hands-on experience and networking opportunities in:

  • Research institutions and think tanks
  • Government agencies and NGOs
  • Private sector companies and consulting firms
5. Academic Support Services

Our department provides a range of academic support services, including:

  • Academic advising and mentoring
  • Research methodology workshops and training
  • Writing and publication support.

At the Department of Sociology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, we provide our graduate students with the resources and support they need to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.

Departmental Organogram

Dr Comfort Oyinlola OYAFUNKE-OMONIYI

Reader and Acting Head
oyafunke-omoniyi.comfort@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng
+234 815 749 6011
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-8923-3139

Dr Oyafunke-Omoniyi Comfort Oyinlola is a distinguished academic and researcher born and raised in Nigeria. Dr Oyafunke-Omoniyi Comfort Oyinlola pursued her academic journey with zeal, earning her bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the then Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria in 1998, where she currently works. She then went to obtain a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Ibadan, the premier university in Nigeria, in 2002.

Driven by her commitment to advancing in knowledge and understanding, she embarked on a doctoral journey, ultimately earning her PhD in Sociology at the same premier University in 2014. Her doctoral research focused on juvenile justice administration in Lagos State, Nigeria. Throughout her illustrious career, Dr Oyafunke-Omoniyi Comfort Oyinlola has been deeply involved in both research and teaching in over two decades. Her scholarly endeavours have led her to the publication of over forty (40) articles and contributions to books. Her research interests span various aspects of sociology, including Social inequality, Education, and Crime.

She has presented at local and international conferences or seminars, including the International Criminal Justice Conference in Florida, United States. She is a member of professional academic bodies, including: Nigerian Anthropological and Sociological Association (NASA), the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), Nigerian Society of Criminology (NSC).

She has served in various capacities as postgraduate coordinator, acting Head of Department, and in many other administrative committees of the University. She served as a Research Editor and Supervisor in a UNFPA endline baseline survey conducted by Ogun State in 2009. Beyond academia, she has mentored many growing adults, involved in teaching and passionately helping children and young adults out of trouble.

Recent Publications

  1. **Aborisade R. A, Oyafunke-Omoniyi C. O, Adeleke O. A, Akindele-Oscar Y, Olayinka- Aliu D. A, Adeyemo S. O, Bawalla O. G & Adenuga A. O (2022): Policing suicide: investigative officers’ views on criminalisation and enforcement of anti-suicide laws, Journal of Policing and Society, 33(4), 464–480. https://doi.org/10.1080/10439463.2022.2145286 (Taylor & Francis)
  2. *Aborisade R. A, Akindele-Oscar Y., Oyafunke-Omoniyi C. O, Adeleke, O. A, Olayinka-Aliu, D, Adeyemo, O.S, Bawalla, O. G & Adenuga A. O. (2023) Socio-cultural and Religious Factors Inhibiting Suicide Reporting among the Yoruba People of South-Western Nigeria, Nigerian Journal of Social Studies, 26 (2) 174 – 190 Social Studies Association of Nigeria (SOSAN).
  3. *Aborisade R. A, Akindele-Oscar Y., Oyafunke-Omoniyi C. O, Adeleke, O. A, Olayinka-Aliu, D, Adeyemo, O.S, Bawalla, O. G & Adenuga A. O. (2023) Socio-cultural and Religious Factors Inhibiting Suicide Reporting among the Yoruba People of South-Western Nigeria, Nigerian Journal of Social Studies, 26 (2) 174 – 190 Social Studies Association of Nigeria (SOSAN).
  4. **Adeyemo S. O, Olayinka-Aliu D. A, Akindele-Oscar Y, Aborisade R. A, Oyafunke-Omoniyi C. O, Adeleke O. A, Bawalla O. G & Adenuga A. O (2024): Gender Differential in the Choice of Methods of Dying by Suicide in Southwest Nigeria, Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry, 40 (2) 78-97, DOI: 10.4103/ijsp_197_22. Indian Association for Social Psychiatry (IASP) Published by Wolters Kluwer – Medknow

Academic Staff

Dr Comfort Oyinlola Oyafunke-Omoniyi – Acting Head and Reader (Sociology and Social Problems).
oyafunke-omoniyi.comfort@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng (+234 8157496011)
Prof. Obatunde Bright Adetola – Professor of Sociology of Development and Gender Studies, obatunde.adetola@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng (+234 8035550187).
Prof. Richard Abayomi Aborisade – Professor of Sociology and Criminology, richard.aborisade@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng (+234 8062102341)
Dr. Olusola Aluko-Arowolo – Reader (Health Sociology). aluko.sunday@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng (+234 8058871606)
Dr. Oladele Adelere Adeleke – Senior Lecturer (Sociology and Criminology). oladele.adeleke@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng (+234 8034098167)
Dr. Mayowa Oludele Solaja – Lecturer I (Environmental Sociology) solaja.oludele@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng (+234 8130564596)
Dr. Oluwatoyin Gbenga Bawalla – Lecturer I (Sociology and Industrial Relations) oluwatoyin.bawalla@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng (+234 8050409935)
Dr. Segilola Yetunde Oladejo – Lecturer I (Sociology and Gender Studies) segilola.ogunyemi@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng (+234 8104051234)

Non-Academic Staff

Mrs. John Foluso Victoria – Chief Secretariat Assistant +234 7061949137 Office Rm. 001
Mrs. Oyindamola Olufunmilayo – Senior Clerical Officer, Office Rm. 001