Ojo Johnson Adelakun | Business Management | Leadership in Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun | Business Management | Leadership in Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun | National University of Lesotho | Lesotho

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun is an accomplished economist and academic leader with a PhD in Economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, alongside advanced training in data and project management from Swansea University, United Kingdom. His academic journey also includes a Master’s degree from Ekiti State University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Dr. Adelakun has held significant teaching and research positions across Africa, including Reader at the National University of Lesotho, Senior Lecturer roles in Nigeria, Visiting Professor in Lagos, and Honorary Research Fellow at UKZN. His research spans development macroeconomics, international trade and finance, monetary economics, environmental economics, and policy analysis, with numerous publications and research grants from respected institutions such as the African Economic Research Consortium, WTO-NUL, and the National Research Foundation of South Africa. Widely recognized with fellowships, best lecturer awards, and editorial board memberships, he combines research excellence with impactful mentorship, leadership, and international collaboration.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Google scholar

Education Background

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun possesses a strong academic foundation in economics built through diverse international and national training. He earned his PhD in Economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, where his research demonstrated advanced expertise in development and policy-oriented economics. Prior to this, he undertook a research internship at Swansea University, United Kingdom, where he obtained a Certificate of Competency in Data and Project Management, equipping him with valuable skills in analytical research and project execution. He further strengthened his academic journey with a Master of Science degree in Economics from the University of Ado-Ekiti, now known as Ekiti State University, Nigeria, where he developed a deeper understanding of economic theories and applied economics. His educational path began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, laying the foundation for his distinguished academic and professional career in economics.

Employment History

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun has built a rich and diverse career in academia, research, and professional practice across Africa and beyond. He currently serves as Reader in the Department of Economics at the National University of Lesotho, alongside his role as Honorary Research Fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and External Examiner at the University of Witwatersrand. His previous appointments include Senior Lecturer positions at Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, University of Uyo, and Adeleke University, as well as Visiting Professor and Research Advisor at Anchor University, Lagos. He also worked as Lecturer at Joseph Ayo Babalola University and Graduate Assistant at Bowen University, following earlier professional experience with KPMG and Societe Generale Bank. With extensive teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervision of numerous theses and dissertations, and research spanning development economics, trade, finance, and policy, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun has combined teaching, mentorship, and leadership with administrative responsibilities in various universities.

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun’s research focus lies broadly within economics, with strong contributions to development economics, financial economics, and macroeconomic policy analysis. His widely cited works highlight themes such as the relationship between human capital development and economic growth, the role of the financial sector in driving economic development, and the nexus between savings, investment, and growth in emerging economies. He has also explored areas of monetary policy, bank performance, capital adequacy, and financial risk management, particularly within the Nigerian and African economic contexts. More recent studies extend to global financial integration, foreign direct investment, international trade, and the predictive accuracy of inflation forecasts, demonstrating his ability to address both local and international economic challenges. His interdisciplinary interests include environmental and resource economics, entrepreneurship, and bioeconomics, reflecting a holistic approach to policy-driven research. Collectively, his research emphasizes sustainable economic growth, financial sector stability, and development-focused policymaking.

Publication Top Notes

Human capital development and economic growth in Nigeria
Year: 2011
Citations: 351

Capital adequacy ratio and bank profitability in Nigeria: A linear approach
Year: 2015
Citations: 118

Financial sector development and economic growth in Nigeria
Year: 2010
Citations: 102

An investigation of the determinants of savings and investment in Nigeria
Year: 2015
Citations: 62

Analysis of the Effect of Advertising on Sales and Profitability of Company
Year: 2015
Citations: 40

The Nexus of private Savings and Economic growth in Emerging Economy: A case of Nigeria
Year: 2011
Citations: 40

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Leadership in Research Excellence Award. His extensive academic achievements, mentorship record, international collaborations, and impactful policy contributions demonstrate the qualities of an innovative leader in research, making him a deserving recipient of this recognition.

Mahdi Salehi | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Mahdi Salehi | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Professor at erdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

Dr. Mahdi Salehi is a Professor of Accounting at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, with a strong academic background, holding a PhD in Accounting. His research interests span a wide range of topics, including Corporate Governance, Audit Expectation Gaps, Financial Management, Auditing, and Capital Markets. With over 50 publications in internationally recognized journals, his work focuses on both theoretical and applied aspects of accounting, particularly in the context of emerging economies like Iran. Dr. Salehi’s research is widely cited, and his contributions to the fields of auditing, corporate governance, and financial markets make him a respected scholar in his discipline. Fluent in English, Farsi, and Turkish, he is actively engaged in global academic discourse, reflected in his presence on Google Scholar and Scopus.

Publication profile

Scopus Profile

Education Background

Dr. Mahdi Salehi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management (1997), a Master’s degree in Financial Management (2000), and a PhD in Accounting (2009). His master’s dissertation focused on the role of financial intermediaries in supporting companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. For his PhD, he conducted an empirical study on the corporate audit expectation gap in Iran, demonstrating his deep engagement with both theoretical and practical aspects of financial management and auditing. His solid educational foundation has supported his academic career, contributing to his expertise as a Professor of Accounting.

Research Experience

Dr. Mahdi Salehi is a seasoned researcher in accounting and finance, with a focus on areas such as corporate governance, audit expectation gap, ownership structure, and capital markets, particularly in emerging economies like Iran. Over the years, he has produced an extensive body of work, publishing more than 50 articles in internationally recognized and ISI-ranked journals. His research spans diverse topics, including fraud detection, audit independence, Islamic banking, and the role of financial intermediaries. Through his empirical studies, Dr. Salehi has contributed significantly to understanding the challenges and dynamics of accounting and financial systems in developing markets. His work is widely cited, and he has collaborated with both national and international scholars, demonstrating his active involvement in the global academic community.

Teaching and Mentoring Experience

Dr. Mahdi Salehi has extensive teaching and mentoring experience, currently serving as a Professor of Accounting at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Throughout his academic career, he has educated and guided students at various levels in accounting and financial management. His role as a professor demonstrates his commitment to shaping the next generation of accountants and financial professionals. With a focus on subjects such as financial management, auditing, and corporate governance, Dr. Salehi has also likely contributed to curriculum development and academic supervision, mentoring numerous graduate and postgraduate students in their research endeavors. His diverse research interests allow him to offer students a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of accounting and finance.

Work Experience

Dr. Mahdi Salehi is a distinguished professor of accounting at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, with extensive academic and research experience. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to the fields of financial management, corporate governance, auditing, and capital markets through his wide-ranging research, particularly focusing on the Iranian context. His work is well-recognized internationally, as evidenced by his numerous publications in reputable journals, including those indexed in ISI and Scopus. Dr. Salehi has addressed crucial topics such as the audit expectation gap, ownership structure, and the role of financial intermediaries, combining theoretical insights with empirical evidence. His research has garnered attention globally, showcasing his dedication to advancing knowledge in accounting and finance, especially within emerging markets.

Awards, Honours & Certificates

Dr. Mahdi Salehi has earned numerous awards, honors, and certificates throughout his distinguished academic career, reflecting his expertise and dedication to the field of accounting and finance. As a Professor of Accounting at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in research and teaching. His extensive publication record in highly ranked journals and his recognition as a leading scholar in areas such as Corporate Governance, Auditing, and Financial Management highlight his impact. Additionally, Dr. Salehi’s work has been widely cited, contributing to his international recognition. His achievements underscore his role as a prominent figure in his academic field.

Publication Top Notes

  • A Financial Stability Model for Iraqi Companies
    • Authors: Abdlkareem Ibrahim, N., Salehi, M., Amran Naji Al-Refiay, H., Lari Dashtbayaz, M.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Impact of corporate governance on tax avoidance
    • Authors: Salehi, M., Jabbari, S., Hosseiny, Z.N., Khargh, F.E.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Management psychological characteristics and earnings management
    • Authors: Salehi, M., Ahmed Jabbar, M., Orfizadeh, S.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 7
  • The effect of board effectiveness on the long-term company success and comparability of financial information
    • Authors: Salehi, M., Hassanzadeh, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Intellectual capital, social capital components and internal control weaknesses: evidence from Iran’s business environment
    • Authors: Salehi, M., Rajaeei, R., Khansalar, E., Edalati Shakib, S.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 6

Conclusion

Dr. Mahdi Salehi is a prolific and highly accomplished researcher in the field of accounting and finance. His work on Audit Expectation Gaps, Corporate Governance, and Financial Management in emerging markets has significant academic and practical value. His extensive publication record and long-standing academic career make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.