Prof. Labode Popoola is the Vice-Chancellor of the Osun State University in Nigeria and the President of the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA). He holds a PhD in Forest Economics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. As a Professor of Forest Economics and Sustainable Development at the University of Ibadan since 2002, his academic career has seen him occupying every academic position in the university system, ranging from undergraduate programme coordinator to vice-chancellor. He is an experienced researcher and project leader, and has led several internationally funded research projects and consultancies.

Prof. Popoola is a member of several professional associations and networks, including WARIMA and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN), where fulfils a number of roles, including as a Country Director and a member of the Leadership Council.