Professor Olayinka Ibiwumi NWACHUKWU is Professor of Soil Science at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria. She holds B. Agric. and MSc Soil Science of Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria and Ph.D Soil Chemistry of University of Glasgow, UK. She is currently the Dean, College of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike  and Chairperson, Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Nigeria Chapter. Prof Nwachukwu is a recipient of Commonwealth Scholarships UK;  Kirkhouse Trust Travel Grant, TETFUND Overseas Training Grant and was a Visiting Scientist to Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, UK. She is a Registered Soil Scientist (RSS); Fellow, Soil Science Society of Nigeria; member, Soil Science Society of America; British Society of Soil Science; and winner, Battelle Inc. student paper competition, USA 2007.

Prof Nwachukwu’s research focuses on remediation of industrially contaminated soil. She has  successfully attracted funding to monitor the dynamics of heavy metals in soil- plant systems. In addition to core science, she engages in advocacy for Science careers for Women and Girls; mentoring; women empowerment and training in rural communities.  Prof  Olayinka has authored  nearly 50 scholarly publications in reputable Journals, is an Editor of Nigeria Journal of Soil Science, Editor in Chief, J. Sustainable Agriculture and the Environment and she has supervised 10 MScs and 8 PhDs