Olufemi Saibu

Professor Olufemi Muibi Saibu is a distinguished professor of development economics, development macroeconomics, and alternative finance at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nigeria. Guided by an academic philosophy centered on "making policy work for ordinary people," his research specializes in economic inclusiveness, public finance, trade and investment policy, and small-scale enterprise development across Sub-Saharan Africa. 

A prolific scholar and a proven leader in institutional development, Professor Saibu has served as the director of quality assurance and SERVICOM at UNILAG and was the pioneer director of the Institute of Nigeria-China Development Studies (INCDS-UNILAG). He is a leading principal investigator, having secured and successfully executed numerous prestigious national and international research grants. 

He is the project coordinator for the prestigious European Commission Jean Monnet Teaching Action Project on EU-Africa Connectivity, aimed at driving regional economic integration, policy dialogue, and educational cooperation. His extensive portfolio also features leading major projects funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Centre for Economic Policy Research / Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (CEPR/STEG) program, the IPF Doctoral Grant, and the highly impactful ISF Climate Inclusion Project focused on advancing sustainable development and green economies at the university level. 

Furthermore, his research expertise has made him a trusted consultant for various global developmental bodies, leading and contributing to multiple World Bank-sponsored projects, as well as initiatives for the UNDP and UNECA.