Funmi Olonisakin

Funmi Olonisakin (born 8 February 1965) is a British Nigerian scholar, feminist and academic whose work focuses on leadership, security, peace, and conflict studies. She is a professor at King's College London and an Extra-Ordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria. She is the founder and former director of the African Leadership Centre (ALC), where she has played a key role in mentoring the next generation of African scholars, practitioners and leaders.

In 2018, Olonisakin delivered her inaugural lecture at King's College London, becoming the first Black woman and black female professor to do so. Olonisakin currently serves as Vice President (Principal) for International Affairs at King's College London. She currently serves as Vice President (Principal) for International Affairs at the university. before stepping down into other interconnected roles while supporting the ALC in academic, research, mentorship and advisory capacities.

Policy, advisory, and international service Olonisakin has held a number of policy and advisory roles with international and regional organisations. She has previously worked with the United Nations, including through the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, where she managed the Africa unit.

Olonisakin has contributed to international policy dialogue through service on advisory boards and governance bodies. She has been a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on Fragile States, and has held board or advisory roles with International Alert and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

Honours and recognition In 2018, Olonisakin delivered her inaugural lecture at King's College London, becoming the first Black woman to do so.

In 2022, the University of Pretoria conferred on Olonisakin the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (honoris causa) in recognition of her significant contributions to the promotion of peace, security, justice, and international solidarity in Africa, with particular reference to women and youth.

Selected publications

Books Militancy and Violence in West Africa: Religion, Politics and Radicalization, ed.James Gow, Funmi Olonisakin & Ernst Dijxhoorn. London: Routledge, 2013. Women and Security Governance in Africa, ed. Funmi Olonisakin & Awino Okech. Oxford: Pambazuka Press, 2011. Women, Peace and Security: Translating Policy into Practice, ed. Funmi Olonisakin, Karen Barnes & Eka Ikpe. London: Routledge,2011. Security Sector Transformation in Africa, ed. Alan Bryden & Funmi Olonisakin. Munster: Lit Verlag, 2010. The Challenges of Security Sector Governance in West Africa, ed. Alan Bryden, Boubacar Ndiaye & Funmi Olonisakin. Munster: Lit Verlag, 2008. Peacekeeping in Sierra Leone: The Story of UNAMSIL. Boulder and London: Lynne Reinner, 2008. Global Development and Human Security, ed. Robert Picciotto, Funmi Olonisakin & Michael ClarkeNew Brunswick and London: Transaction Publishers, 2007. A Handbook of Security Sector Governance in Africa, ed. Nicole Ball & Kayode Fayemi. London: Centre for Democracy and Development, 2004. Reinventing Peacekeeping in Africa: Conceptual and Legal Issues in the ECOMOG Operations. The Hague: Kluwer Law International, 2000. Engaging Sierra Leone. London: Centre for Democracy and Development, 2000. Peacekeepers, Politicians and Warlords, by Abiodun Alao, Funmi Olonisakin & John Mackinlay Tokyo: United Nations University Press, 1999.