Professor Adepoju Tunde Joseph Ogunkunle, a specialist in plant taxonomy and the Deputy Vice‑Chancellor (Management and Operations) of [Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)](https://www.lautech.edu.ng), is scheduled to deliver the university’s 76th inaugural lecture on Thursday, 22 October 2026, in the institution’s Great Hall.
The event will draw scholars, administrators, students, researchers, botanists, environmentalists, and members of the public who wish to hear a scholarly exposition that moves beyond the simple naming of species. Titled “Making Sense Out of Chaos: Taxonomy as a Universal ‘Digestive System’ Amidst Plentiful Harvest But Few Workers”, the lecture aims to portray taxonomy as an essential intellectual mechanism that helps humanity organise the planet’s vast biological diversity.
The natural world offers an overwhelming variety of organisms, many of which appear similar yet differ markedly in properties and uses. Misidentifying a plant can lead to faulty scientific conclusions, inappropriate medicinal applications, misguided conservation actions, or communication errors. [Plant taxonomy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_taxonomy) supplies the framework that brings order to this complexity, and Professor Ogunkunle’s research has consistently sought to refine that framework.
Throughout his career, Professor Ogunkunle has interrogated not only the question “What plant is this?” but also how the tools used for identification can be improved. He has examined the design, usability, and constraints of taxonomic keys and explored alternative ways of presenting diagnostic data to make complex information more accessible. This focus on enhancing identification methods extends the relevance of his work to sectors such as healthcare, food production, forest management, environmental protection, and biodiversity conservation.
Nigeria and the wider African continent host immense biological diversity and a wealth of plant resources that are vital for ecological, medicinal, agricultural, cultural, and economic reasons. Accurate identification underpins effective conservation, sustainable utilisation, and clear communication about these resources. In this context, Professor Ogunkunle’s scholarship gains heightened significance.
Beyond research, the professor has mentored generations of biology students, encouraging them to appreciate the intricate diversity of the natural world. His role as a postgraduate supervisor has helped nurture emerging scholars, while his tenure as Head of Department and later as Deputy Vice‑Chancellor has involved him in academic administration, policy formulation, and institutional development.
An inaugural lecture offers a professor a platform to reflect on the cumulative impact of their scholarship. For Professor Ogunkunle, the occasion will serve as a moment to synthesize his contributions to plant diversity studies, the evolution of identification tools, and the broader implications for biodiversity and environmental change.
The 76th inaugural lecture at LAUTECH is therefore set to celebrate a distinguished academic journey and to reaffirm the continuing importance of taxonomy in addressing contemporary challenges related to natural‑resource use and environmental stewardship.
*Amusa is a Professor of Forest Resources Management at the University of Ilorin.*