Dr. Olayinka Bolaji is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership and Educational Administration, Faculty of Education at Brandon University. Her research and teaching focus is on educational leadership for social justice, organizational culture, international education, educational finance, She brings extensive teaching, leadership, and community-based research experience from Nigeria, England, and Canada, with a strong commitment to student-centered learning and culturally responsive pedagogy.

Dr. Bolaji is an active advocate for international students through community engagement and collaboration with student organizations. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in inclusivity, student-centered learning, and culturally responsive pedagogy. She is committed to creating learning environments where students from all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Her approach is informed by her extensive cross-cultural teaching experience and emphasizes adaptability, engagement, and the transformative power of education.

Education

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

Research Interests

• Educational Leadership
• International Education
• Organizational Culture
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
• Student Transitions and Support System

Teaching

2025-2026 Spring

01.770 Issues and Trends in Educational Administration: Developing School Culture

2025-2026 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. (2025, special issue). Bridging cultures in urban education: Reflection of a teacher’s cross-continental experience. In W. S. Ankomah & D. E. Armstrong (Eds.), Transformative perspectives and practices in urban education: Equity, innovation, and community in action. Book series: Issues in the research, theory, policy, and practice of urban education. Emerald Publishing. Faculty of Education, Brandon University.

Bolaji, O. F. (2025). Centering African voices: a pan-African approach to understanding the needs of African graduate students in Canadian universities. Comparative & International Education Journal. [Manuscript submitted]. Faculty of Education, University of Saskatchewan.

Bolaji, O. F. (2025). “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

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.

 Upcoming Presentations

Ankomah, W.S. & Bolaji, O.F. (2026, May 19). International Students’ Fees in Canada. 54th Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) Annual Conference, University of Winnipeg, Manitoba, MB.