Samson O. Okunade, an erudite scholar/researcher at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, a Federal Agricultural Agency with mandate in research into post-harvest handling including food storage technologies, food security and value addition. He attended University of Ilorin where he obtained a BSc degree in Zoology in 1988. He obtained MSc in Crop Protection Entomology from the University of Maiduguri in 1997, and PhD in Crop Protection from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 2008.  

Samson joined the services of NSPRI in 1988, and rose through the ranks to the position of Director of Research Operations. His responsibilities cover research and administrative schedules. Previously, he headed the Durable Crops Research Department and the Entomology Units, where he designed and coordinated research programmes in Entomology, and improvement and maintenance of the quality Durable Crops. He renders consultancy and technical services to the Institute’s stakeholder. Dr. Okunade was Deputy Provost responsible for academics and research, in the Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology (FCAPT), Kano between 2008 and 2014 before returning his services to NSPRI.

In recognition of his contributions to the society and study of insects generally, he was awarded Fellow of the Entomological Society of Nigeria (FESN) in 2018, Albert Einstein Award of Excellence for Effectiveness and Distinction 2017, and NSPRI 2020 Merit Award for Research Productivity. Dr. Okunade has participated in over thirty local and international Conferences, and has over 50 scientific publications, seven published books, and some innovative technologies to his credit.

Dr Okunade participates in many Community/Field & Extension Services including live Radio and Television programmes on Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) presentations, as well as  facilitation of trainings workshops for farmers and other stakeholders.