Olajumoke Ayandele

Dr. Olajumoke (Jumo) Ayandele is Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs and a scholar-policy practitioner whose work sits at the intersection of African security, governance, and human development. Her mission is clear: to advance African-led solutions that address the root causes of conflict, foster sustainable economic growth, and build durable pathways to peace.

Holding a Ph.D. in Global Affairs, Dr. Ayandele is recognized for her thought leadership on the intersections of governance, civil-military relations, and human security in fragile and post-conflict states. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and is a member of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) Global Research Network. Her work draws on extensive field experience across Africa and bridges academic research with real-world policy practice.

She is also the co-founder of the African Wars in the 21st Century Workshop Series—a platform convening scholars, policymakers, and regional leaders for solutions-driven dialogue on Africa’s evolving security and development landscape.

Dr. Ayandele’s current work explores how geopolitical realignments and South–South cooperation are reshaping the public–private nexus in Africa, from security partnerships to innovation-driven growth. Her vision is grounded in the conviction that African states must move beyond externally imposed frameworks and instead champion inclusive, locally informed, and context-sensitive approaches to governance and development.