Samuel Ojo Oloruntoba

Samuel Ojo Oloruntoba is an Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator of the intercontinental research project on Indigenous Knowledge and Youth Empowerment in Africa. He is also an honorary Professor at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, University of South Africa, where he was previously an Associate Professor.  He obtained his PhD in Political Science from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He was previously a Visiting Scholar at the Program of African Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston and fellow of Brown International Advanced Research Institute, Brown University, Rhode Island, United States of America. Oloruntoba is the author, editor and co-editor of several books including Regionalism and Integration in Africa: EU-ACP Economic Partnership Agreements and Euro-Nigeria Relations, Palgrave, 2016 and co-editor with Toyin Falola of the Palgrave Handbook of Africa and the Changing Global Order, 2022, among others.

His research interests are in Political Economy of Development in Africa, Regional Integration, Indigenous knowledge and politics of knowledge production, Migration, Democracy and Development, Global Governance of Trade and Finance, Politics of Natural Resources Governance, and EU-African Relations. Oloruntoba has won several awards and grants from local and international research institutions. He is also a member of the Africa Knowledge Network, Office of Special Adviser on Africa UN Under Secretary-General, United Nations, New York.

Awards and Honors

2021 – Teaching Excellence Award, Carleton University Students’ Association
2021 – Member, African Knowledge Network, Office of the Special Adviser on  Africa,  Under-Secretary General of the United Nations, New York
2018 – National Research Foundation of South Africa rated Researcher

Recent Grants

• Proposal Development Grant on Indigenous Youths perspectives on Employment and Entrepreneurship in Africa (Co-Principal Investigator, ($319,000) 2022
• European Union Erasmus + funding for the project: African Union–EU relations, regional partnerships for actorness in effective global governance (AURORA), (Co-Principal Investigator, ($86,901) 2020-2022
• National Research Foundation of South Africa project on Natural Resources Governance and Sustainable Development in Southern Africa: Exploring Regional Integration approach, Principal Investigator ($57, 545) for three years, 2020-2023
• Project Consultant, Carnegie Corporation of New York grant on the impact of private universities on public universities in Africa, University of Texas, Austin, United States of America ($369,714) 2019-2023
• Principal Investigator, National Research Foundation of South Africa  funding for the project, Regional Economic Communities and Democratic Consolidation in West Africa: A Case study of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ($4,000), 2018-2019
• Project Director, Carnegie Corporation of New York Grant for a study and forum on the roles of African Diasporas in the revitalization of higher education in Africa, Carleton University in partnership with African Union ($411,000) 2019-2020
• Co-Investigator, Trust Africa/Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa grant for research on Illicit Financial Flows and socioeconomic development in Southern Africa ($47, 460) 2016-2018
• Project Leader, Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa for research on Regional Integration and Migration of Informal Workers in the resilient economy ($34,634), Project Leader for two years, 2015-2017

Selected Publications

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

• Oloruntoba, S. (2023) The political economy of African Continental Free Trade Area and structural transformation in Africa, Journal of Contemporary African Studies, DOI: 10.1080/02589001.2023.2214715
• Oloruntoba, S. (2021) Unity Is Strength: Covid-19 and Regionalism in Africa, The International Spectator, 56:2, 56-71
• Cochrane, L & Oloruntoba, S. (2021) Whose voice matters in the teaching and learning of IPE? Implications for policy and policy making, Policy and Society, 2021, DOI: 10.1080/14494035.2021.1975220
• Oloruntoba S & Tsowou, K (2019) Afro-continental free trade areas and industrialization in Africa: Exploring Afro-Canadian partnership for economic development, Canadian Foreign Policy Journal, (Commentary), 2019.  25:3, 237-240
• Oloruntoba, S. (2018) Regional integration and development in Africa – rethinking borders and informality, Africa Insight, Vol 48 1, 12 – 28
• Oloruntoba, S, Nshimbi C & Moyo, I (2018)   Guest Editors (Special Issue on Borders, informal cross-border economies and regional integration in Africa – An Introduction, Africa Insight, Vol 48 1, 1-11
• Oloruntoba, S (2018) Africa and the Dilemma of Transformation: Exploring trade for rights to Development Africa Insight, Vol 47 (3), 59-77
• Blad, C, Oloruntoba, S. & Shefner, J (2017) Course Corrections and Failed Rationales: How Comparative Advantage and Debt Are used to Legitimize Austerity in Africa and Latin America, Third World Quarterly, Vol 38, Issue 4, 822-843
• Oloruntoba, S (2016) Beyond the fetishism of GDP, (Mis) Governance and the challenges of poverty reduction in Nigeria, Africa Insight, Vol. 46, no. 2, 1-27
• Oloruntoba, S. (2016) G-77 +China and Global Governance of Trade, Latin America Report, Vol. 34. No 2, 7-26.
• Oloruntoba, S (2016) ECOWAS and Regional Integration in West Africa: From State to Private Authority, History Compass, Vol 14, Issue 7, 295-303.
• Oloruntoba, S. (2015) Politics of Financialization and Inequality: Transforming Global Relations for Inclusive Development, Africa Development, 2015, Vol. XL., No. 3, 121-138.
• Oloruntoba, S. (2015) Pan-Africanism, Knowledge Production and the Third Liberation of Africa, International Journal of African Renaissance Studies, 2015, Vol.  10 (1), 7-24.
• Oloruntoba, S (2014) Social sciences as dependency: state apathy and the crisis of knowledge production in Nigerian universities, Social Dynamics, Vol. 40, Issue 3, 338-352
• Oloruntoba, S (2013) The State and the challenges of Industrialization: A Comparative analysis of South Korea and Nigeria, Unilag Journal of Sociological Review, Vol .X, Dec, 118-148.
• Oloruntoba, S & Akinboye, S (2013) Global Trade Governance and Economic Development in Africa: Exploring Opportunities in South-South Cooperation Nigerian Journal of International Affairs (NJIA), Vol. 39, No.2, May- August, 93-113

Book Chapters

• Yiagadeesen, S and Oloruntoba, S. (2022)  ‘Revisiting Africa’s deindustrialization debate’ in Olayele, F and Yiagadeesen, S. (eds.) Sustainable Development in post-pandemic Africa: Effective Strategies for resource mobilization, London and New York: Routledge, pp 159-177
• Oloruntoba, S, Ishola, E & Ekanade, K (2021) ‘Globalization, Poverty, and Development in Africa: Looking Past to the Future’. In I. Rossi (Ed.) Challenges of Globalization and Prospects for an Inter-civilizational World Order Cham: Springer, pp 725-748.
• Oloruntoba, S. (2021).‘The State and the State of Knowledge Production in African Universities: Rethinking Identity and Curricula’. In A. Afolayan, O. Yacob-Haliso, and S. Oloruntoba (Eds.) Pathways to Alternative Epistemology in Africa. Cham: Springer, pp 61-76
• Oloruntoba, S. (2020a).‘Migration, Regional Integration, and the Development Conundrum: Reflections on Policy, Identity and Shared Humanity’. In I. Moyo, C. Nshimbi, and J. Laine (Eds.) Migration Conundrums, Regional Integration and Development Africa-Europe Relations in a Changing Global Order New York: Palgrave Macmillan. pp 17-36
• Oloruntoba, S. (2020b). ‘EU-Africa Relations in a Multi-Polar World: Nigeria and South Africa in comparative perspectives. In S. Oloruntoba, and T. Falola. (Eds.) Palgrave Handbook of African Political Economy New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 573-588
• Oloruntoba, S. (2020c). ‘Regional Integration, Borders, and Development in Africa’. In C, Nshimbi, and I. Moyo (Eds.) Borders, Mobility, Regional Integration and Development: Issues, Dynamics and Perspectives in West, Eastern and Southern Africa Cham: Springer, pp 25-38
• Oloruntoba, S. (2020d). ‘The Politics of Paternalism and Implications of Global Governance on Africa: A Critique of the Sustainable Development Goals’. In S. Oloruntoba, (Ed.) Pan Africanism, Regional Integration and Development in Africa New York: Palgrave Macmillan, pp 165-179
• Oloruntoba, S. (2020e). ‘The Intelligentsia and the Crisis of Knowledge Production and Development in Nigeria’. In S. Oloruntoba, A, Afolayan, and O. Yacob-Haliso, (Eds.) Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Development in Africa. New York: Palgrave, pp 93-107
• Oloruntoba, S. (2019a). ‘Reframing the Debates on Innovation and Regional Integration in Africa’. In S. Oloruntoba and M. Muchie (Eds.) Innovation, Regional Integration and Development in Africa: Rethinking Theory, Institutions and Policy Charm: Springer, pp 1-11,
• Oloruntoba, S. (2019b). ‘Innovation and Regional Integration in Africa: Exploring Theory and Praxis for Socio-Economic Development; In S. Oloruntoba and M. Muchie, (Eds.) Innovation, Regional Integration and Development in Africa: Rethinking Theory, Institutions and Policy Charm: Springer, pp 29-41
• Oloruntoba, S. (2019c). ‘From economic diplomacy to Pan-African Identity: Exploring Nigeria-South Africa cooperation for Continental Integration and Development in Africa’. In O. Tella (Ed.), Nigeria-South Africa Relations and regional hegemonic competence Charm: Springer, pp 147-161,
• Oloruntoba, S. (2018a). ‘The Social Impacts of Africa’s Predatory State-Society Relations’. In K. Kalu, O. Yacob-Haliso, and T. Falola (Eds.), Africa’s Big Men, Predatory State-Society Relations. London: Routledge, pp 213-223
• Oloruntoba, S. (2018b). ‘Breaking the Incubus? The Tripartite Free Trade Area and the prospects of developmental integration in Africa’. In J. Adesina, and O.  Akanle. (Eds.) Development of Africa: Issues, Diagnoses and Prognosis. Cham: Springer, pp 323-336
• Oloruntoba, S. (2018c). ‘Crisis of identity and Xenophobia in Africa: The Imperative of a Pan- African Thought Liberation’. In A.  Adeoye, (Ed.) The Political Economy of Xenophobia in Africa. Cham: Springer, pp 9-22.
• Oloruntoba, S. (2018d). ‘Illicit Financial Flows and Africa’s Development Conundrum’. In S. Oloruntoba and T. Falola. (Eds.) Palgrave Handbook of African Politics, Governance and Development. New York: Palgrave, pp 619-652
• Oloruntoba, S. (2018e). ‘Liberal democracy, inequality and the imperatives of alternative politics: Nigeria and South Africa’. In G. M. Khadiagala, S. Mosoetsa, D. Pillay, & R. Southall (Eds.), New South African Review 6: The Crisis of Inequality. Wits University Press, pp. 102–114
• Oloruntoba, S. (2018f). ‘Opportunism or Partnership for Development: Trends and Patterns in Sino-Nigerian relations. In K. Prah and V. Gumede (Eds.) Perspectives in China and Africa relations, Cape Town and Addis Ababa: Africa World Press, pp 171-188
• Oloruntoba, S. (2018h). ‘The State and Regional Integration in Africa: Rethinking the neoliberal theories. In C.   Landsberg (Ed.) Africa Rise Up: Perspectives on African Renewal Johannesburg: Real Publishers, pp, 211-228
• Oloruntoba, S. & Ndlovu -Gatsheni, S (2018). ‘Africa and Asian Diaspora: Reconstructing a Neglected History’. In P. Amakasu Raposo, D. Arase, & S. Cornelissen (Eds.) Routledge Handbook of Africa-Asia Relations. London:  Routledge, pp 22-32
• Oloruntoba, S. & Gumede, V. (2018). ‘Regional Integration and African Renaissance: Moving Beyond the   Rhetoric’. In C. Landsberg (Ed.) Africa Rise Up: Perspectives on African Renewal. Johannesburg: Real Publishers, pp 245-258
• Oloruntoba, S. (2017a). ‘Ambivalent Union: State-Business Relations and Economic Development in post-independent Nigeria’. In D. Opoku and E. Sandberg (Eds.) Coping Strategies of African Business Entrepreneurs. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. pp 79-96
• Oloruntoba, S. (2017b). ‘Global regulation and the quest for development post-2015’. In S. Zondi and T. Philani (Eds.) From Millennium Development Goals to Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals: The Travails of International Development Cape Town: CTP Printers in association with Institute for Global Dialogue, pp166-186
• Oloruntoba, S. (2017c) ‘Military Coups and Military Rule in Nigeria’. In D. Ologbenla, D and G. Okeke (Eds) Nigeria Politics: Issues and Perspectives. Lagos: University of Lagos Press and Books Limited, pp 151-172
• Oloruntoba, S.  (2017d). ‘Political Parties and Democratic Development in Africa: Nigeria and South Africa in comparative perspectives. In A. Adejumobi (Ed.) Voice and Power in Africa’s Democracy: Institutions, Participation and Accountability New York: Routledge, pp 95-113
• Oloruntoba, S, & Gumede, V (2016) ‘Regional Hegemons as Catalyst for Continental Integration: Nigeria and South Africa in Africa’s Integration and Development’. In M. Muchie,V. Gumede, S. Oloruntoba and C. Achu (Eds.) Regenerating Africa: Bringing Africa’s Solutions to Africa’s Problems: The Journey so far Pretoria: African Institute of South Africa Press, pp 18-33
• Oloruntoba, S. Sithole, T, & Nkenkena, A, (2016). The Global Politics of Knowledge Production and African Development Trajectory. In M. Muchie, V. Gumede, S. Oloruntoba, S and C. Achu (Eds.) Regenerating Africa: Bringing Africa’s Solutions to Africa’s Problems: The Journey so far. Pretoria: African Institute of South Africa Press, pp 225-240
• Oloruntoba, S (2016). ‘Global Economic Crisis and the role of the State in Bail- out’. In V. Gumede (Ed.) The Global Economic Recession and the Philosophy of Human Values: Implications for social Relations in Africa. Johannesburg, Real Publishers and MISTRA, pp 150-174
• Oloruntoba, S. Gumede, V & Netshitenzhe, J.  (2016). ‘Framing the debate on the Global Economic Recession’. In V. Gumede (Ed.) The Global Economic Recession and the Philosophy of Human Values: Implications for social Relations in Africa. Johannesburg: Real Publishers and MISTRA, pp 15-32
• Oloruntoba, S. (2016). ‘Democratization and Poverty in Nigeria: Exploring the Link between Politics and Poverty in Middle Income Countries’. In J. May, G Wright, and E. Breathen (eds.) Poverty & Inequality in Middle Income Countries: Policy Achievements, Political Obstacles London and New York: Zed Books/Comparative Research on Poverty (CROP) University of Bergen, Norway, pp 123-142
• Oloruntoba, S. (2016). ‘Migration Policy in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges’. In J. Oyefara (Ed.) Migration and Urbanisation in Contemporary Nigeria, Policy, Issues and Challenges. Lagos: University of Lagos Press, pp 469-488
• Oloruntoba, S (2014a). ‘African Growth Miracle in a Changing Global Order: A Myth or Reality’. In L. Asulieme, and S. Francis (Eds.) Selected Themes in African Studies: Political Conflict and Stability. Charm: Springer, pp 148-160
• Oloruntoba, S. & Akinboye S. (2014b). ‘From African Union of Government to African Union of Peoples? Rethinking Democratic Governance and Development in Africa’. In M. Muchie P. Lukhele-Olorunju P. V. Gumede, & H.  Demissie. (Eds.) Unite or Perish. Africa Fifty Years After the Founding of the OAU. Pretoria: South Africa: African Institute of South Africa Press, pp 217-229

Scholarly Authored Books

• Gumede, V, Oloruntoba, S.  & Kamga, S. (2020) Regional Integration and Migration in Africa: Lessons from Southern and West Africa. Leiden, and Dakar: Brills and CODESRIA
• Oloruntoba, S. (2016).  Regionalism and Integration in Africa: EU-ACP Economic Partnership Agreements and Euro-Nigeria Relations. New York: Palgrave Macmillan

Edited Books

• Oloruntoba, S, Nshimbi, C. & Mwamba, L. (eds.) (2024) Africa-EU Relations and the African Continental Free Trade Area, New York and London: Routdlege
• Oloruntoba, S. (2022) (Ed.). The Political Economy of Colonialism and Nation-Building in Nigeria. Cham: Springer
• Oloruntoba, S. & Falola, T. (2022) (Eds.) Palgrave Handbook of Africa and the Changing Global Order. New York: Palgrave
• Oloruntoba, S. Afolayan, A. Yacob-Olajumoke, O (2021) (Eds.)  Pathways to Alternative Epistemologies in Africa. Cham: Springer
• Oloruntoba, S & Falola, T (2020). (Eds). Palgrave Handbook of African Political Economy. New York: Palgrave Macmillan
• Oloruntoba, S (2020). (Ed.) Pan Africanism, Regional Integration and Development in Africa. New York: Palgrave Macmillan
• Oloruntoba, S, Afolayan, A & Yacob-Haliso, O (2020).  (Eds.)  Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Development in Africa. New York: Palgrave Macmillan
• Oloruntoba, S, & Muchie, M (2019).  (Eds).  Innovation, Regional Integration and Development in Africa: Rethinking Theories, Institutions and Policy. Cham Springer
• Oloruntoba, S. & Falola, T. (2018). (Eds,) Palgrave Handbook of African Politics, Governance and Development. New York: Palgrave Macmillan
• Oloruntoba, S & Gumede, V (2018). (Eds.) State and Development in Post- Independent Africa. Austin and Ibadan: Pan African University Press
• Oloruntoba, S. (2017) (Ed.)  Africa and its Diaspora: History, Identities and Economy, Austin and Ibadan:  Pan African University Press.
• Oloruntoba, S.   Muchie, M, Gumede, V & Achu, C (2016).(Eds,) Regenerating Africa: Bringing Africa Solutions to African Problems, Pretoria: African Institute of South Africa Press.