Joseph Adebowale Atanda

Joseph Adebowale Atanda (2 January 1932 – 6 December 1996) was a Nigerian native of Eruwa, in Oyo State, Nigeria. He obtained his B.A. (Hons) in History in 1964 from the University of London and a PhD. in history in 1967 from the University of Ibadan.

Atanda was associated with at The University of Ibadan from 1967- 1991 and attained the title of Professor in History. His primary area of research interest was African History, specializing in Nigeria with emphasis on Yorubaland in Western Nigeria and Buganda in East Africa. A Secondary area of research interest concerned the survival and the achievements of Africans and their descendants transported to the West Indian Islands and the Americans during the European Atlantic trade with West Africa. At The University of Ibadan, apart from being a Lecturer, he was a Representative of the Faculty of Arts on the Board of Studies and faculty Board of Education, Congregation Member of Senate, a memberof the Senate Committee for The Institute of African Studies, Assistant Warden of Azikwe Hall and Ag. Head, Department of History. During his career, he also lectured at Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye, Makere University, Uganda, University of Chicago, U.S.A, and University College of Belize, Belize.

Atanda's public/community service included acting as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Western State of Nigeria, November 1975- March 1976, Oyo State Commissioner for Health, April 1976- March 1977, Oyo State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, April 1977- September 1978, Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government, October 1978- September 1979. He was also Chairman, Board of Governors, Obaseku High School, Eruwa Nigeria, 1972-1975, Member, 1973 National Census Sub-Committee on Historical Events, Western State of Nigeria 1983-84, Chairman, Management Committee of the Ibarapa Local Council, Western State, Nigeria. 1973-1974, Chairman, Ibadan Zonal Health Board and Member of Western State of Nigeria Health Council, 1975, Member, Board of Governors, Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, 1985-1988, and Chairman, Board of Governors, Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, 1988- 1990.