Dr. Olayinka Bolaji is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership and Educational Administration, Faculty of Education, at Brandon University. Her teaching and research focus on educational leadership, supervisory policy and practice, organizational culture, social justice, and international education. Drawing on her professional experiences in Nigeria, England, and Canada, she brings a cross-cultural perspective to understanding leadership, teaching, and professional learning in diverse educational contexts.

Dr. Bolaji’s research explores how educational institutions can foster inclusive, supportive, and responsive environments in which individuals and communities can thrive. Her current research examines the experiences and professional learning needs of African internationally educated teachers in Canadian K–12 schools, with a focus on informing context-responsive mentoring, professional learning, and support practices. Her broader scholarly interests include school culture and belonging, culturally responsive pedagogy, student success, and equitable approaches to educational leadership.

An experienced educator and advocate for international students, Dr. Bolaji is committed to building meaningful connections between research, practice, and community engagement. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in student-centred learning, relational approaches, and culturally responsive pedagogy. She strives to create collaborative learning environments where students feel valued, draw on their diverse experiences, engage critically with educational issues, and develop the knowledge and confidence to lead positive change in their school contexts.

Education

• PhD, Educational Administration, University of Saskatchewan, Canada (2025)
• MEd, Educational Administration & Management, University of Lagos, Nigeria (2012)
• BSc. Ed, Human Kinetics & Health Education, University of Lagos, Nigeria (2006)

Research Interests

• Educational Leadership and Supervisory Practice
• Organizational Culture, School Belonging, and Inclusive Leadership
• International Education and Student Support Systems
• Internationally Educated Teachers’ Experiences and Professional Learning
• Mentoring and Professional Support for Teachers
• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Social Justice in Education

Teaching

2025-2026 Spring

01.770 Issues and Trends in Educational Administration: Developing School Culture

2026-2027 Fall

07.752 Overview of Educational Issues

2026-2027 Winter

01.757 Supervisory Policy and Practice

Publications

Bolaji, O. F. (2025). Examining the experiences of African international students and the support mechanisms that aid their transitioning into Canadian postsecondary institutions. University of Saskatchewan. [Published doctoral dissertation]. University of Saskatchewan https://hdl.handle.net/10388/17339

Bolaji, O. F. (2026). “Bridging Cultures in Urban Education: Reflection of a Teacher’s Cross-Continental Experience”, Transformative Perspectives and Practices in Urban Education: Care, Equity, and Community for Meaningful Change, William Sarfo Ankomah, Denise E. Armstrong. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80686-303-720261002

Bolaji, O. F. (2026). Centering African voices: a pan-African approach to understanding the needs of African graduate students in Canadian universities. Comparative & International Education Journal. [In Publication]. Faculty of Education, University of Saskatchewan.

Bolaji, O. F. (2026). “Give me this support and I’ll thrive”: Enhancing African international student support services in Saskatchewan. Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy. [In Review]. College of Education, University of Saskatchewan.

Bolaji, O. F. (2011). The impact of examination malpractices on students’ academic performance: Exploring socio-cultural and educational factors in Yaba Local Government Area of Lagos State [Published master’s thesis]. University of Lagos.

 Conference Presentations

Ankomah, W. S., & Bolaji, O. F. (2026, May 19). International students’ fees in Canada [Conference presentation]. 4th Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) Annual Conference, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Bolaji, O.F., & Ankomah, W.S. (2025, Nov 2-5). Breaking barriers, building pathways: Apan-African perspective on the needs and achievements of African international graduate students in Canada. [Symposium facilitation]. 2025 Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Conference, Quebec City, Canada.

 Bolaji, O. F. (2024, June 12-20). The Experiences of Pan-Africanism among international graduate students. [Paper presentation]. 52nd Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) Annual Conference, McGill University, Montreal, QC.

Bolaji, O.F. (2016, Sept 3-5). Excelling in today’s Business World. [Paper Presentation]. Mary Kay Annual National Conference, London, United Kingdom.