Author of “Oil Wealth and Insurgency in Nigeria”, Omolade Adunbi Appointed Director, Michighan University’s Centre

Nigeria’s United States-based academic, Omolade Adunbi, has been appointed new Director at the African Studies Centre, University of Michigan.
Professor Omolade is a political and environmental anthropologist who obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and a PhD in Anthropology from Yale University.
Omolade expressed his delight on his new elevation as the new director of ASC.
He is the author of Oil Wealth and Insurgency in Nigeria and Enclaves of Exceptions: Special Economic Zones and Extractive Practices in Nigeria.
He said, “I am excited to be appointed as the next ASC director,” adding that he would only be emulating the footsteps of seasoned and proficient intellectuals such as Professor Kelly Askew, the founding director of ASC and his predecessor, Professor Andries Coetzee.
He acknowledged that his predecessors in that office had built what he called “a sturdy foundation on which he aims to amplify.”
“It is noteworthy that I am following in the footsteps of accomplished scholars and administrators, Professor Kelly Askew and my predecessor, Professor Andries Coetzee.” Omolade said
The professor claims to have a “three-pronged approach” to his job as ASC’s director which include “consolidation”, “cooperation” and “collaboration.”
He disclosed his intention to improve and strengthen the works of his predecessors,
“I plan to consolidate what my predecessors have done, open new windows of cooperation between Michigan and Africa, and break new grounds for collaboration between U-M and African partners.”
“The Michigan Difference will be crucial to my goal. I have been part of ASC as an associate since I joined U-M in 2010 and have collaborated with many colleagues across the university to showcase the Michigan Difference in Africa. I look forward to continuing this with respect,” he stated.
He is appreciative and acknowledges Professor Andries Coetzee for his leadership of ASC over the past four years,
His current research engages with questions of climate politics and the ways in which environmental groups and activists use social media to promote their advocacy for the environment.