Pope Francis appoints Nigerian female professor as Member of Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in the Vatican.


Pope Francis yesterday appointed Kokunre Adetokunbo Agbontaen Eghafona from Nigeria as Member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, alongside two others from Chile and Italy.


Professor Kokunre Adetokunbo Agbontaen Eghafona was born in London on 1 October 1959. She studied at the University of Benin, in Benin City, Nigeria, graduating with an undergraduate degree and later a Master of Arts in History. She also obtained a Master of Science in Archaeology and Anthropology from the University of Ibadan (Nigeria). 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.


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.