Professional Overview
Dr. Rofiat Olusola Dauda-Olajide is an accomplished academician, elite sports administrator, and former national athlete with over 30 years of experience in sports and education. She currently serves as Lecturer II in the Department of Human Kinetics Education at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, where she also holds the position of Head Athletics Coach. Her career is marked by a transition from a highly decorated sprinter to a leading researcher in sports management and human kinetics.
Key Experience
- Lecturer & Academic Leadership: Serving as Lecturer II and Level Adviser at the University of Ilorin, she coordinates departmental postgraduate matters and has served as the Covid-19 Coordinator.
- Head Athletics Coach: Leads the University of Ilorin Athletics Unit, having transitioned from Coach II (2011–2019) to her current head coaching role.
- Adjunct Lecturer: Currently an Adjunct Lecturer for the degree program at the Nigerian Army College of Education.
- Institutional Service: Active member of the University of Ilorin Sports Council since 2013 and Secretary for various departmental accreditation committees.
Core Expertise
- Administration & Management of Sports: Specialized in the management of sports facilities and the organization of grassroots sports programs.
- Human Kinetics & Physical Education: Expert in exercise science, sports psychology (e.g., self-talk interventions), and sports sponsorship strategies.
- Coaching & Talent Development: Recognized for converting and training athletes who went on to win national and regional medals.
- Technical Officiating: Extensive experience in technical committee leadership and sports management at state and national levels.
Education & Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Human Kinetics Education: Specialized in Administration and Management of Human Kinetics and Sports from the University of Ilorin (2021).
- M.Ed. in Human Kinetics Education: University of Ilorin (2015).
- B.Sc. (Ed) in Physical Education: University of Ilorin (1997).
- Professional Diplomas: Holds a Certificate in Advance Sports Management (1993) and a Diploma in Physical and Health Education (1992) from Obafemi Awolowo University.
Research & Publications
- Scholarly Impact: Has published numerous articles in both home-based and international journals, such as the Indonesian Journal of Sport Management and the Ilorin Journal of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
- Key Research Areas: Her work explores the influence of self-talk on athlete performance, the impact of sports betting on integrity, and predictors of sports organization in primary schools.
Awards & Athletic Achievements
- Medal Record: As an athlete, she won multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in 100m, 200m, and relays at the Nigerian University Games (NUGA) and West African University Games.
- International Participation: Represented Nigeria as a member of the World University Games in Sicily, Italy (1997).
- Honors: Recipient of the Staff Development Award (2018–2019), Best Sports Woman of the Year (2016), and the Best Athlete of the Year (1997).