Pope Francis on Friday appointed Prof. Kokunre Adetokunbo Agbontaen Eghafona, from Nigeria, among three Ordinary Members of the Pontifical Academy of Social science.
Others are Pedro Morandé Court, from Chile and Mario Draghi, from Italy.
The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences was established by Pope John Paul II on 1 January 1994, with the aim of promoting the study and progress of the social sciences, primarily economics, sociology, law and political science. The Academy helps offer the Church those elements which she can use in the development of her social doctrine, and reflects on the application of that doctrine in contemporary society.
Prof. Kokunre obtained a Master of Science in Archaeology and Anthropology from the University of Ibadan (Nigeria) before joining the University of Benin as a lecturer.
She was born in London on 1 October 1959 and studied at the University of Benin, in Benin City, Nigeria, graduating with an undergraduate degree and later a Master of Arts in History.
At the University of Benin, she has been a Lecturer at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology since 1992; Senior Lecturer in 1996, Associate Professor in 2003, and full Professor in 2008. She has also held a number of administrative positions including Head of the Department of Sociology (2009-2013) and Director of part-time programs (2016).
She has been responsible for sustainable development within the UN’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network (2012-2017). Professor Agbontaen Eghafona is the author of numerous academic publications. Her current scientific activities include measures to combat human trafficking in Nigeria.
