Professor Obadoni, Bernard Onyemaechi, was born into the family of Obadoni, on the 24th of April, 1960 at Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State. He attended Roman Catholic Mission Primary School in Igbe –Ogum, between 1966 and 1970. He had to transfer to Local Authority (L.A.) Primary School, Ogumee in 1971 following the directive by General Yakubu Gowon that all Mission Primary Schools should be handed over to Government. He therefore, sat for his Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1971 and passed with Distinction.
In 1975, he gained admission into Ogume Grammar School, Ogume and finished in record time in 1980 with First Division. In 1982, Obadoni got admission into the then Bendel State, (now Ambrose Alli University) Ekpoma to study Agricultural Science.
It is pertinent to note that following the summary closure of the Faculties of Agriculture, Medicine and Education, in March, 1984, the students in the affected Colleges through the untiring efforts of their Rectors were transferred to other Universities where their courses were available. So, this was also a window for the affected students to transfer to related courses within the University. That was how Professor Obadoni found himself in the Department of Botany. He registered for his Ph.D programme at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and graduated in 2003.
While in Botany, Professor Obadoni did his best and won several prizes as shown below:
As an academic staff, he had held the following administrative positions:
100 Level Co-ordiantor, 1987-1997; Department Foundation Programme Co-ordinator, 1992-1997; Member, Faculty Board Examinations Malpractice Committee, 1995-1999; Secretary, Departmental Board of Studies; 1995-1998; Representative of Natural Sciences at Faculty Board of Education, 2003-2005; Departmental Examinations Officer, 1996-2007; Member, Faculty Library Committee, 1998-2001; Representative of Natural Sciences at Faculty Basic Medical Sciences, 1997-2007; Member, Business Committee of Senate, 2005-2005; Secretary, Academic Staff Union Universities (ASUU) Ekpoma Chapter, 2003-2005; Chairman, Ethics and Grievances Committee, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), 2011-2015; Member, Ethics and Grievances Committee, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), 2018-till date; Financial Secretary, AAU Alumni Association, 2006-2015; Representative of Faculty Board of Natural Sciences at Faculty Board of Clinical Sciences, 2006-2011; Hall Warden, Vincent Aimakhu Hostel, Irrua, 2009-2013; 400Level Co-ordinator, 2009-2011; Co-ordinator, Postgraduate Programme, 2009-2012; Visiting Lecturer, Delta State University, 2007-2008; Head, Department of Botany, 2011-2014; Member, Senate Adhoc Committee to look into the Problems Causing Delays in the Graduate of Postgraduate Studies; 2014-2015, Seminar Co-ordinator for Department of Botany, 2014-till date; Visiting Lecturer, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2015-2016.
Professor Obadoni is member of many learned societies such as; Weed Science Society of Nigeria; Ecological Society of Nigeria; Botanical Society of Nigeria; Agricultural Society of Nigeria.
Professor Obadoni has taught courses at 100 – 400 levels at undergraduate level and taught and supervised many Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and Doctorate levels.
He has attended many conferences, seminars and workshops. Professor Obadoni has also delivered five public lectures and co-authored seven technical reports all in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Professor Obadoni is a dedicated Christian and married with children.
Above is for the information of the University community and the general public.
Edward U. Aihevba, FPISM, FNISM, FCAI MANUPA
Deputy Registrar, Information/Public Relations Officer