The Faculty of Arts, University of Alberta, Canada, has announced the appointment of a Nigerian, Dr. Temitope Oriola, as Associate Dean, Undergraduate.

Oriola, a professor in the Department of Sociology, with research focus on terrorism studies and police use of force, has a wealth of knowledge and experience extending from university admissions, equity initiatives, student mentorship, community embeddedness and effective media engagement.
  
He believed in a student-centred, collaborative approach to designing and implementing proactive programmes and policies to enable students to succeed and improve their undergraduate experience.
  
A statement from the faculty said: “Under Oriola’s leadership, the Faculty of Arts will continue to strive to provide a meaningful student experience, with a strong focus on EDI initiatives to engage with the faculty’s diverse and thriving student population.

“Oriola’s leadership experience is expansive in working with and engaging diverse interested partners, including academic communities, government offices and consultation with communities, including those of rural Alberta.
  
“Professor Oriola was appointed special adviser to the Government of Alberta (Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General) on Police Act Review in 2021. He is president-elect of the Canadian Sociology Association (CSA).
  
“We are thrilled that Temitope Oriola is joining the Arts leadership team and the undergraduate portfolio.” 
   
Meanwhile, Oriola, expressing gratitude, said: “The associate dean (undergraduate) role is an opportunity to serve and meaningfully impact lives.” He added that he is excited to join the Arts leadership team and contribute his share to collegial governance.
  
“My overarching objective is, in the ageless words of the University of Alberta’s founding president, ‘uplifting of the whole people’.”