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Jacob POPOOLA

Associate Professor
college of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (COAES)
Pure and Applied Biology Programme

Jacob O. Popoola is an Associate Professor of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology in the Pure and Applied Biology Programme of the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) Degree in Pure and Applied Biology from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, and a Master of Science Degree in Botany (Cytogenetics) from the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAB), Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. He earned his Ph.D. in Biology (Plant Genetics and Biotechnology) from Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. He acquired research experience at the Genetic Resources Centre of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan. He was a Fellow of the International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows (IARSAF) of the Institute and other professional bodies including the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), and Society for Underutilized Legumes (SUL) amongst others. He has published scientific papers in international peer-reviewed journals and proceedings. He is a reviewer of many International scientific and biological journals. Research Interests: Ethnobotany and Indigenous Knowledge System, Plant Genetic Resources Characterization, Biodiversity and Conservation studies of indigenous medicinal plants. His current research is on genetic diversity and characterization, proteomic and genomic analyses of the African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa), drumstick (Moringa oleifera), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), African Yam Bean (AYB) (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean), and Hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus) amongst others. Plant molecular farming is rapidly gaining attention globally for increased food production, and bioactive ingredients for drug discovery and development.

Education

University Education With Dates: – 

  • Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria 2011 – 2015 
  • Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria 2005 – 2009 
  • Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria 1995 – 2001 

Academic Qualifications Obtained With Dates: – 

  • Ph.D. Biology (Plant Genetics and Biotechnology) 2015
  • M.Sc., Botany (Cytogenetics) 2009
  • Bachelor of Technology, Pure and Applied Biology (2nd Class, Honors) 2001
Research

Ethnobotany and Indigenous Plant Species: 
One of my research focus is to establish a regional profile of the indigenous knowledge system (IKS) for medicinal plants, underutilized legumes and vegetables and cultural practices associated with their healing processes in Africa and Nigeria in particular. I have been involved in the scientific validation of medicinal plants’ claims, their pharmacological properties, and their toxicological assessment in-vitro and in-vivo. The folkloric claims of some selected medicinal plants have been confirmed or refuted in different models and systems based on the bioactivity studies conducted and novel bioactive compounds isolated and characterised from them. My research findings have created more awareness on the use of local plants to resolve food, nutrition, and health crisis. My research endeavours have helped enrich the knowledge of the biodiversity of African natural resources. Outcomes of my research findings have been shared on several international platforms and published in peer-reviewed journal outlets and conference proceedings.

Plant Genetic Resources Characterization and Utilization:
One of the focal thrusts of my research adventure is proffering sustainable solution(s) to the challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, climate change, farmers-to-herders crisis and poverty using biological tools and biotechnology approaches. Morphology, cytology, proteomics, and genomics/bioinformatics tools have been deployed to various plant groups such as medicinal plants, underutilized legumes, and vegetables as well as forest and economic trees. My research team is currently working on genetic diversity and characterization, proteomic and genomic analyses of Africa locust bean (Parkia biglobosa), drumstick (Moringa oleifera), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), African Yam Bean (AYB) (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean), and Hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus) amongst others. Plant molecular farming is rapidly gaining attention globally for increased food production, bioactive ingredients for drug discovery and development. My research team is poised to leverage on the use of Biotechnology approaches to advance knowledge and proffer sustainable solutions to food insecurity, diseases, climate change and other challenges facing the Africa continent. Farmers, breeders, consumers, policymakers, and other scientists/researchers will benefit from this research focus. 

African underutilized legumes and Plant-based diets:
The population of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) keep increasing at an alarming rate coupled with farmer-herder conflicts, food insecurity, and the burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases. Focusing on African underutilized legumes as an alternative source plant proteins, nutritional contents and bioactive ingredients will have a positive role to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) number 2 and 3 of end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture as well as good health. My future research will focus on plant-based diets such as plant-based meats and plant-based milk and mimic conventional meat’s/milk’s organoleptic and nutritional properties.

Institutional Service
  • Deputy Director, Academic Planning and Monitoring
  • Member, Postgraduate College Board
  • Member, Senate Ad-hoc Committee on CCMAS
  • Member, Senate Committee on NUC Accreditation 
  • Member, Committee on Bowen University Diaspora Initiative
  • Member, Committee to Produce a Compendium of all Inaugural Lectures
Professional Service
Selected Publications
  1. Popoola, J. O., Ojuederie, O. B., Aworunse, O. S., Adelekan, A., Oyelakin, A. S., Oyesola, O. L., Akinduti, P. A., Dahunsi, S. O., Adegboyega, T. T., Oranusi, S. U., Ayilara, M. S., and Omonhinmin, C. A. (2023). Nutritional, functional, and bioactive properties of African underutilized legumes. Frontiers in Plant Science, 14, 1105364. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1105364
  2. Popoola, J. O., Eruemulor, D. I., Ojuederie, O. B., and Oyelakin, A. S. (2023). Dataset on estimate of intra-specific genetic variability of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Harms.) based on rbcL gene marker. Data in brief, 47, 108944. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2023.108944
  3. Popoola, J. O., Aworunse, O. S., Ojuederie, O. B., Adewale, B. D., Ajani, O. C., Oyatomi, O. A., Eruemulor, D. I., Adegboyega, T. T., and Obembe, O. O. (2022). The Exploitation of Orphan Legumes for Food, Income, and Nutrition Security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Frontiers in Plant Science, 13, 782140. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.782140
  4. Popoola, J. O., Ajani, O. C., Oyesola, O. L., and Oniha, M. (2022). Comparative analysis of phytochemical and proximate contents of three orphan legume species. Asian Journal of Plant Science, 21: 520–528. Doi: 10.3923/ajps.2022.520.528.
  5. Popoola, J.O., Igwe, D.O., Iwu, V., Adegbite, A.E., and Omonhinmin, C.A. (2020). Genetic Diversity, Clustering Pattern and Breeding Implications of 40 Moringa oleifera Accessions using AFLP Markers. Journal of Advanced Research in Dynamical and Control Systems, Volume 12(08): 659-670. Special Issue. doi:10.5373/JARDCS/V12SP8/20202568. 
  6. Popoola, J.O., Agbolade, J.O., Ajiboye, A., Akinola, O., Lewu, B.F., Kioko, J. and Omonhinmin, C.A. (2020). Assessment of genetic diversity of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa Jacq.) landraces using Microsatellite Markers. Journal of Critical Reviews 7(11):3196-3205.
  7. Popoola, J.O., Aworunse, O.S., Oyesola, L.O., Akinnola, O.O. and O.O. Obembe, (2020). A systematic review of pharmacological activities and safety of Moringa oleifera. Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology 9(3):174-190.
  8. Popoola, J.O., Egwari, L.O. Adekunle A., Ogunlana O.O. and A.C. Omonhinmin, (2019). Genetic variability and development of cassava-based products using morphometric and RAPD Markers. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences 18(1): 26 – 32.
  9. Popoola, J.O., Egwari, L.O., Bilewu, Y., Omonigbehin, E., Ogunlana, O.O., and Daramola, F. (2019). Proximate analysis and SDS-PAGE protein profiling of cassava leaves: utilization as leafy vegetable in Nigeria. MOJ Eco Environ Sci. 4(1):1-5. 
  10. Popoola, J.O., Adebambo, A., Paterne, A., Ejoh S., Adegbite, E.A. and C.A. Omonhinmi, (2017). Morphological diversity and chromosome studies in some accessions of Vigna vexillata L. Annual Research and Review in Biology 19(5): 1 – 12, 2017; Article no. ARRB.36173. ISSN: 2347-565X, NLM ID: 101632869. DOI:10.9734/ARRB/2017/36173. 
  11. Popoola J.O., Adebayo, M.B., Adegbite, A.E., Omonhinmin, A.C., and B.D. Adewale, (2017). Fruit Morphometric and RAPD Intraspecific variability in African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst. ex. A. Rich. Harms). Annual Research and Review in Biology 14(4): 1-10, 2017. Article no. ARRB.34264. ISSN: 2347-566X, NLM ID: 10.101632868. DOI:10.9734/ARRB/2017/34264.  
  12. Popoola, J.O., Bello, O.A, Olugbuyiro, J.A and O.O. Obembe, (2017). Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) analysis of genetic intraspecific variability relationships of Moringa oleifera Populations from Nigeria. Sci. Int. (Lahore), 29(3): 645 – 657.  
  13. Popoola, J.O., Abiodun, H.A., Taiwo, O.S., Ayepola, O.O. and F.E. Okosodo, (2017). Studies on local knowledge and In Vitro cytotoxicity of Moringa oleifera L., Andrographis paniculata N., and Asystasia vogeliana B. extracts. Research Journal of Applied Sciences 12(2):180-190.  
  14. Popoola, J.O., Bello, A.O. and O.O. Obembe, (2016). Phenotypic intraspecific variability among some accessions of drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.). Canadian Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences 10(1):3681 – 3693.  
  15. Popoola, J.O., Aremu, B.K., Daramola, F.Y., Ejoh, S.A. and A.E. Adegbite, (2015). Morphometric analysis of some species in the genus Vigna (L.) Walp: Implication for utilization for genetic improvement. Journal of Biological Sciences 15(4): 156-166. 
  16. Popoola, J.O. and O.O. Obembe, (2013). Local knowledge, use pattern, and geographical distribution of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) in Nigeria. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 150(2): 682 – 691. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.09.043
  17. Mohammadinejad, R., Shavandi, A., Raie, D.S., Sangeetha, J., Soleimani, M., Hajibehzad, S.S., Thangadurai, D., Hospet, R., Popoola, J.O., Arzani, A., M.A. Gómez-Lim, (2019). Plant molecular farming: production of metallic nanoparticles and therapeutic proteins using green factories. Green Chemistry. 21(8):1845 – 1865. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9GC00335E.
  18. Obembe, O.O., Popoola, J.O., Leelavathi, S., and S.V. Reddy, (2011). Advances in plant molecular farming. Biotechnology Advances, 29(2), 210–222. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9GC00335E.
  19. Omonhinmin, C. A., Olomukoro, E. E., Onuselogu, C. C., Popoola, J. O., and Oyejide, S. O. (2023b). Intra-Specific Genetic Variability Dataset on rbcL gene in Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) in Nigeria. Data in Brief, 109399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2023.109399
  20. Aworunse, O. S., Popoola J. O., Paliwa, R., and Obembe, O. O. (2023). Start codon-targeted marker evaluation of genetic relationship and population structure in southern Nigerian fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) collection. Plant Genetic Resources: Characterization and Utilization 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1479262123000308.
  21. Omonhinmin, C.A., Olomukoro, E.E., Onuselogu, C. C., Popoola, J. O., and Oyejide, S. O. (2023a). rbcL gene Dataset on Intra-Specific Genetic Variability and Phylogenetic Relationship of Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth) S. Moore. (Asteraceae) in Nigeria, Data in Brief 5 (2023), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2023.109266
  22. Isibor, P.O., Akinduti, P., Oranusi, S.U., and Popoola, J.O. (eds) Biotechnological Approaches to Sustainable Development Goals. 978-3-031-33370-5, Edition 1: XIX – 318. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33370-5_20
  23. Aworunse, O.S., Popoola, J.O., Fayeun, L.S., Ahuekwe, E.F., Obembe, O.O. (2023). Morphological trait variation and correlation analysis in landraces of Southern Nigerian fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F.) Pages 53 -83. In: Isibor, P.O., Akinduti, P., Oranusi, S.U., Popoola, J.O. (eds) Biotechnological Approaches to Sustainable Development Goals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33370-5_5
  24. Ajiboye, B.I., Temitope, O., Popoola, J.O., Omonhinmin, C.A. (2023). Comparison of Two extraction methods to obtain quality genomic DNA from eggplants (Solanum sp.) Pages 305 – 315. In: Isibor, P.O., Akinduti, P., Oranusi, S.U., Popoola, J.O. (eds) Biotechnological Approaches to Sustainable Development Goals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33370-5_20.