Faculty Spotlight: Kola Ajuwon

Kola Ajuwon, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and a two-time graduate of the program.

Ajuwon’s interest in animal sciences began in high school in Nigeria, where he worked on a school poultry farm.

"That first exposure to modern poultry really got me excited about animal sciences, so I decided, well, that's what I'm going to study in college," Ajuwon said. 

Ajuwon went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1991 from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria.

Ajuwon’s path to academia was influenced by a family member who was a professor. 

"I had an uncle who went to IU, and got his master's and Ph.D. from IU. Anytime he came back from the States, he would describe his experience," Ajuwon recalled. "Also, he was a professor in the local university in Nigeria. We would go visit him, and I just loved the university environment. I said, 'You know what? I'm going to try to be a professor.'"

Ajuwon earned his first master's degree in Nigeria in 1997 under the supervision of Professor Funso Sonaiya. He later pursued another master's in 2001 under Drs. Layi Adeola and Michael Spurlock and a Ph.D. in 2004 also under Spurlock. He earned both of those degrees from the Purdue Animal Sciences Department. His doctoral research focused on adiponectin, a hormone derived from fat tissue, and its role in reducing inflammation in pigs.

Following his postdoctoral research on hormonal regulation of breast cancer development, Ajuwon became an assistant professor at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. In 2008, he returned to Purdue as an assistant professor.

Ajuwon’s research has explored factors regulating fat development and gut health in pigs, particularly in response to the restriction on non-therapeutic antibiotic use in animal feed.

"Because of that, we suddenly realized pigs were beginning to have a lot of gastrointestinal diseases," he said. "That was why, in the last maybe seven years or so, I've focused on things that regulate the health of the gut—how can we use natural, non-medical, non-antibiotic ways to enhance the development and function of the gut?"

In recognition of his research contributions, Ajuwon received the 2022 Agricultural Research Award, the highest honor for mid-career faculty in Purdue’s College of Agriculture, and the 2024 American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Growth and Development Award. He noted that both awards highlight his contributions to research, as they required endorsements from colleagues within and outside Purdue. According to him, these recognitions reflect not only his individual efforts but also the broader impact of his work within the academic and research communities.

Although Ajuwon has received many accolades for his research, he said his biggest achievement is his impact on students.

“My greatest achievement as a faculty member is seeing students grow and succeed,” Ajuwon said. “Whether it’s undergraduates who develop confidence over four years or graduate students mastering research methodologies, watching their transformation brings me joy. Knowing that I played a role in their journey is what matters most to me."

Ajuwon has been actively involved in student mentorship and teaching. He has taught courses including ANSC 326 Applied Non-ruminant Nutrition, ANSC 537 Adipocyte Biology and ANSC 626 Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology II, and he previously served as an advisor to undergraduate students.

He has also contributed to student organizations, serving as an advisor to the African Students Association. Additionally, he proposed the installation of a skateboard rack in Creighton Hall to accommodate students, which was later implemented. The rack was later recognized in his name: The Dr. Kola Ajuwon Distinguished Skateboard Rack.

Ajuwon encourages students to remain engaged and curious.

"Students should not stop being curious. They should always want to learn more," Ajuwon said. "Even if you are 100 years old, there's still something new that you can learn."

Outside of his academic work, Ajuwon enjoys watching American football, a sport he grew to love after moving to the US.

Through research, mentorship and teaching, Ajuwon continues to contribute to the field of animal sciences and student development at Purdue.