Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun: Physiology Scholar, Aspiring Researcher, and National President of the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN)
Who is Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun?
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun, Nigerian Physiology student and National President of the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN), photographed at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun, popularly known as I.V, or Mythic, is a Nigerian Physiology scholar, researcher-in-training, digital communications professional, and student leader. He is an undergraduate student of Physiology at the Federal University of Technology Akure, (FUTA) and currently serves as the National President of the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN), the umbrella body representing Physiology students across Nigerian universities.
Known for his contributions to academic development, institutional growth, student representation, and science advocacy, Victor has emerged as one of the leading voices promoting the advancement of Physiology education and professional development among students in Nigeria.
His interests span Physiology, biomedical research, higher education, scientific communication, health policy, and the advancement of Applied and Clinical Physiology. His long-term ambition is to build a career in research and academia, contributing to scientific knowledge, mentoring future scientists, and advancing healthcare through evidence-based research.
Early Life and Education
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun photograph as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the 2018/2019 graduating set at Sijuwade Comprehensive College, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun photograph as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the 2018/2019 graduating set at Sijuwade Comprehensive College, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun, GAIQ was born on 2 December 2003 and hails from Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria.
He attended Goodnews College for his primary education before proceeding to Adepetu Comprehensive College and later Sijuwade Comprehensive College, Ile-Ife, for his secondary education.
During his secondary school years, he distinguished himself academically, graduating as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the 2018/2019 Set. He was also recognized as the Best Graduating Student in Geography under the Daniel C. Onukaogu Memorial Annual Award.
Alongside his academic achievements, he served as Assistant Health Prefect, demonstrating an early commitment to leadership, service, and health-related advocacy.
These accomplishments laid the foundation for a journey that would later combine scientific education, professional development, research interests, and national leadership.
Professional Development Before University
Before gaining admission into university, Victor had already begun building a professional career in digital communications.
In 2020, he entered the fields of content writing, digital marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO), developing practical experience through learning, client projects, and professional engagements.
Over the years, he has worked with companies and marketing firms including Prolanz Digitals, MakeMoney.ng , and ChartsEmpire Trading Academy.
His expertise includes:
- Content Marketing
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Website Content Development
- Digital Communications
Professional Certifications
To strengthen his expertise in digital communications, content strategy, and data-driven marketing, Victor has completed professional training and certification programmes from globally recognized organizations.
- Content Marketing Certification - HubSpot Academy
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Certification - HubSpot Academy
- Google Analytics Certification - Google Digital Academy (Skillshop)
The Journey into Physiology
Victor's original ambition was to study Medicine and Surgery.
Although he scored 243 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in 2021, he believed he could compensate with an exceptional Post-UTME performance and still compete for Medicine.
Only a few days before the Post-UTME screening examination, however, he made a decision that would ultimately reshape his future.
Following advice from a fellow admission seeker, he decided not to leave his future entirely to chance. Rather than risk being transferred into an unrelated programme if he failed to meet the medical cut-off, he chose to strategically change his course himself. He reviewed the available programmes within the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and identified two realistic options: Anatomy and Physiology.
At the time, his choice was based almost entirely on strategy rather than passion.
The most recently available admission statistics as of then showed that Anatomy had a cut-off mark of approximately 58, while Physiology had a cut-off mark of approximately 56. Although he was confident in his academic ability, he selected Physiology because it offered a slightly lower admission threshold and therefore a greater margin of safety.
In truth, he knew very little about Physiology at the time.
His plan was straightforward: secure admission into the School of Basic Medical Sciences through the programme with the lower cut-off mark, perform well academically, and later transfer into Medicine after his second year.
He later recorded an outstanding 84% score in the FUTA Post-UTME screening examination. His name subsequently appeared among the earliest candidates offered admission into the Department of Physiology.
Physiology was never meant to be the destination. It was simply the route.
Yet what began as a calculated admission strategy gradually became something far more significant.
As his studies progressed, he found himself increasingly fascinated by the science of how the human body functions. Through courses exploring physiological regulation, cellular communication, homeostasis, and the mechanisms underlying health and disease, he encountered a discipline that was far broader, deeper, and more intellectually stimulating than he had imagined.
The more he learned, the more his perspective changed.
He began to see Physiology not as a stepping stone to another profession but as a distinct scientific field with enormous relevance to medicine, biomedical research, healthcare innovation, and human development.
Eventually, the desire to transfer into Medicine disappeared. The discipline he had chosen almost accidentally had become the discipline he genuinely loved.
That transformation would later shape his academic interests, his advocacy for Physiology, his emergence in national leadership, and his long-term aspiration to contribute to science as a researcher and professor.
Journey at FUTA
Since commencing his studies at FUTA, Victor has combined academics, professional work, and leadership responsibilities.
While studying Physiology, he simultaneously maintained an active career as a digital communications professional, working remotely as a content writer and SEO specialist.
Despite these responsibilities, he maintained strong academic performance and remained actively engaged in academic and extracurricular development.
At the time he assumed office as National President of SPAN, Victor maintained a Second Class Upper academic standing with a CGPA of 3.74/5.00.
His academic interests include physiological sciences, biomedical research, health systems, scientific communication, and the emerging opportunities within Applied and Clinical Physiology.
These interests continue to shape his long-term academic aspirations and research goals.
Leadership Positions and Appointments Held
Throughout his academic journey, Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun has served in several leadership, administrative, editorial, and advisory capacities at chapter, faculty, national, and organizational levels.
Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN)
- National President (2026 – Present)
- National General Secretary (2024 – 2025)
SPAN FUTA Chapter
- Public Relations Officer (2024 – 2025)
Basic Medical Sciences Students' Association (BAMSSA), FUTA
- Senior Special Assistant (S.S.A) to the President on Editorial Matters (2025 - 2026)
- Lead, Presidential Newsletter Team (2023 – 2024)
TheStillWaters (TSW) Mental Health Foundation, FUTA Chapter
- Pioneer Head, Editorial Unit (2025)
Awards, Honours and Recognitions
Presentation of the Order of National Statesmanship Award to Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun during the BAMSSA FUTA Dinner and Awards Night by the President of the FUTA Students' Union.
Presentation of the Order of National Statesmanship Award to Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun during the BAMSSA FUTA Dinner and Awards Night by the President of the FUTA Students' Union.
Academic Awards
- Overall Best Graduating Student, Sijuwade Comprehensive College, Ile-Ife (2018/2019 Set)
- Daniel C. Onukaogu Memorial Annual Award for Best Graduating Student in Geography, Sijuwade Comprehensive College, Ile-Ife (2018/2019 Set)
Leadership Awards and Honours
- National Physiology Leadership Laureate Award - Awarded in recognition of pioneering national leadership as the first National Executive from the Department of Physiology, FUTA, and the first individual from the department to serve across two national administrations as National General Secretary and National President of the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN).
- Mentorship, Leadership and Institutional Advancement Award - Awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to student governance, leadership development, institutional growth, and the cultivation of student leaders across departmental, faculty, zonal, and national levels.
- Order of National Statesmanship - Conferred by the Basic Medical Sciences Students' Association (BAMSSA), Federal University of Technology, Akure, in recognition of exceptional leadership, statesmanship, and contributions to student representation and institutional development. The award was formally presented by the President of the Students' Union Government, Federal University of Technology, Akure.
- Recognition Award for Outstanding Service and Dedication, Basic Medical Sciences Students' Association (BAMSSA), Federal University of Technology, Akure.
- El Political Senior Award - Awarded by the Department of Physiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, in recognition of outstanding political strategy, student mobilization, and contributions to leadership development within the department.
Entry into Student Leadership
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun with Shonde Oluwapelumi Caleb (Lumi), President of the Basic Medical Sciences Students' Association (BAMSSA), FUTA (2023/2024), whose mentorship and leadership exposure played a significant role in Victor's introduction to student governance and national leadership.
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun with Shonde Oluwapelumi Caleb (Lumi), BAMSSA FUTA President (2023/2024), one of the top student leaders who mentored him during his formative years in leadership.
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun's journey into student leadership began during his first year at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), where he quickly developed a reputation as an effective organizer, mobilizer, and strategist.
His first major leadership involvement came during the 2023/2024 Basic Medical Sciences Students' Association (BAMSSA) election. A senior Physiology student, Shonde Oluwapelumi Caleb, popularly known as Lumi, contested for the office of President, and Victor became actively involved in the campaign's mobilization efforts despite being a newly admitted student.
Working alongside other supporters, he helped coordinate grassroots engagement across the faculty, contributing to a successful campaign that culminated in Lumi's election as BAMSSA President.
Barely three weeks later, another important contest emerged: the SPAN FUTA presidential election.
This time, the candidate was Olawale Boniface Ifeoluwa, then a relatively disadvantaged contender who joined the race late. With limited time, fewer resources, and lower expectations from many observers, the campaign faced significant challenges from the outset.
Victor once again became heavily involved.
Together with a small group of politically active classmates, he mobilized support extensively among newly admitted students and across different segments of the chapter. He campaigned vigorously for Boniface, introducing students to his vision and encouraging participation in the electoral process despite the widespread belief that victory would be difficult.
When the votes were eventually counted, Olawale Boniface Ifeoluwa secured victory by a margin of just one vote.
The result became one of the most memorable elections in the chapter's recent history.
Following the successful BAMSSA and SPAN FUTA elections, Victor and several of his colleagues gained recognition within student leadership circles as a highly influential group of young organizers whose impact extended far beyond what was normally expected of first-year students.
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun with Physiology Senior Student Adeyeye Kehinde Loveleen, the first female elected President of the National Association of Irele Local Government Students (NAILGOS) and former Chairperson of the FUTA Students' Union Bar, who played a significant mentorship role in his early leadership development.
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun with Adeyeye Kehinde Loveleen, one of the influential student leaders whose mentorship contributed to his early development in leadership, governance, and public service.
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun with Olawale Boniface Ifeoluwa, former President of SPAN FUTA, during the Physiology Department Classroom-to-Career Academic Symposium at FUTA 2024.
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun with Olawale Boniface Ifeoluwa, former President of SPAN FUTA, during the Physiology Department Classroom-to-Career Academic Symposium at FUTA 2024.
The victories also brought him into closer contact with influential student leaders. He benefited from their mentorship, which shaped his leadership philosophy and approach. Among them were Oluwapelumi Caleb Shonde, President of BAMSSA FUTA (2023/2024); Olawale Boniface Ifeoluwa, President of SPAN FUTA (2023/2024); and Adeyeye Kehinde Loveleen, the first female elected President of the National Association of Irele Local Government Students (NAILGOS), Ondo State, and later Chairperson of the Futa Students' Union Government Bar Association during the 2023/2024 parliamentary session.
Through these mentorship relationships, Victor developed a deeper understanding of leadership, governance, political organization, advocacy, and institution building.
Entry into National Leadership
Victor's introduction to national student leadership came through Shonde Oluwapelumi Caleb, who had previously served on the cabinet of Fidelis Isiah, then National President of the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN).
Inspired to contribute to the national body, Victor purchased a nomination form for the office of National Editor-General. However, the electoral process was postponed twice, creating frustration among many aspiring candidates.
Unlike most students, he openly challenged the delays and demanded greater accountability. His concerns eventually led to a direct conversation with the National President, who explained the challenges facing the Association and challenged him to become part of the solution.
Victor accepted the challenge.
He embarked on a nationwide mobilization effort, reaching out to Physiology students across Nigerian universities and encouraging them to participate in national leadership. At the time, several offices lacked candidates, reflecting widespread apathy toward national affairs.
Through persistent outreach and engagement, he helped attract contestants for multiple positions, contributing to one of the most competitive and representative elections in the Association's recent history.
During this period, he also reassessed his own aspirations and eventually purchased a nomination form for the office of National General Secretary.
When the elections were eventually concluded, he emerged victorious.
On 4 May 2024, Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun was sworn in as National General Secretary of the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN), becoming the first student from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) to serve as a National Executive of the Association.
The achievement marked the beginning of a national leadership journey that would later culminate in his emergence as National President of SPAN.
Service as National General Secretary
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun with President Oladapo Samuel Abayomi at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho (LAUTECH).
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun with President Oladapo Samuel Abayomi at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho (LAUTECH).
During his tenure, he worked tirelessly with President Oladapo Samuel Abayomi (University of Ibadan), Vice President, Precious Epuchienze Oluebube (Imo State University), Assistant General Secretary Lucy Nkwocha (University of Port Harcourt), Public Relations Officer Usman Abdulbasit (Olabisi Onabanjo University) and all members of the National Executive Council. Victor played a central role in administration, documentation, communication, stakeholder engagement, and institutional development.
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun with members of the SPAN National Executive Council, zonal coordinators, and chapter executives during a leadership engagement focused on national coordination, chapter development, and organizational growth.
SPAN National, zonal, and chapter leaders during a leadership engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration and expanding the Association's national reach.
He played a leading role in several landmark initiatives, including:
- National academic symposiums and professional development programmes.
- The first SPAN National Freshers' Orientation Programme.
- The SPAN Academic Library.
- The SPAN Career Book.
- National publication projects, including the SPAN National Magazine.
- Alumni engagement and mentorship initiatives.
- Chapter expansion and integration efforts.
- Digital infrastructure development and national communication systems.
- Strengthening relationships with the Physiological Society of Nigeria (PSN) and other stakeholders.
Beyond internal administration, Victor played a leading role in several high-level stakeholder engagements that strengthened SPAN's institutional relationships within academia and the professional community.
Delegation of SPAN National leaders led by National General Secretary Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun during an official visit to Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), to present the administration's vision and strengthen institutional partnerships.
Delegation of SPAN National leaders led by National General Secretary Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun during an official visit to Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), to present the administration plans.
He spearheaded the national delegation that paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello. During the engagement, the delegation presented the administration's achievements, vision, and strategic plans for the advancement of Physiology students in Nigeria. The visit subsequently led to Professor Olatunji-Bello accepting the position of Grand Matron of the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria.
Delegation of SPAN National leaders and representatives from Nigerian universities during an official visit to the Physiological Society of Nigeria (PSN), led by National President Oladapo Samuel Abayomi and National General Secretary Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun.
Delegation of SPAN National leaders and representatives from some universities during an official visit to the Physiological Society of Nigeria (PSN), led by National President Oladapo Samuel and National General Secretary Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun.
He also played a leading role in the delegation that visited the Physiological Society of Nigeria (PSN) in 2024, where national officers met with the Society's leadership to present the administration's achievements, programmes, and future plans. The engagement significantly strengthened relations between both bodies and resulted in the President of the Physiological Society of Nigeria formally accepting the position of Grand Patron of SPAN, marking a historic milestone in the relationship between the Association and the country's foremost professional body for Physiologists.
Members of the SPAN National Executive Council during an official visit to Professor Ahmed Kolade Oloyo and Professor Bolanle Olubusola Iranloye of the University of Lagos, discussing student development, institutional growth, and professional mentorship within Physiology.
Iyiola Victor and Members of the SPAN National Executive Council during an official visit to Professor Ahmed Kolade Oloyo and Professor Bolanle Olubusola Iranloye at the University of Lagos.
In addition, Victor participated in strategic engagements with senior academics and stakeholders within the discipline, including Professor Ahmed Kolade Oloyo of the University of Lagos and Professor Samuel Adetunji Onasanwo of the University of Ibadan. These engagements contributed to stronger institutional relationships between SPAN and the academic community, with both professors subsequently serving as Staff Advisers to the Association.
His tenure also coincided with significant efforts to strengthen governance, expand participation, improve institutional stability, revive zonal structures, deepen alumni engagement, and enhance collaboration between students, academics, researchers, and professional Physiologists across Nigeria.
Through these efforts, he helped lay the foundation for many of the reforms, partnerships, and expansion initiatives that would later continue under his presidency.
Election, and Ongoing Service as National President
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun Representing the Federal University of Technology, Akure, at the 2025 National Conference of the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN), hosted by the Department of Physiology, University of Ilorin.
Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun Representing the Federal University of Technology, Akure, at the 2025 National Conference of the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN), hosted by the Department of Physiology, University of Ilorin.
Following his service as National General Secretary, Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun emerged as a leading advocate for institutional reforms, chapter expansion, constitutional governance, and the long-term advancement of Physiology students in Nigeria.
Driven by a vision to build a stronger, more influential, and more sustainable Association, he contested for the office of National President of the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN).
His campaign focused on student welfare, chapter development, national expansion, institutional reforms, alumni engagement, sponsorship acquisition, and the advancement of Applied and Clinical Physiology. Central to his vision was the belief that SPAN should evolve beyond organizing events and become a strategic platform capable of influencing the future of Physiology in Nigeria.
Certificate of Return issued by the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN National) certifying the election of Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun as National President of the Association on 17 December 2025, for the 2026/2027 administration.
Certificate of Return issued by the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN National) certifying the election of Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun as National President of the Association on 17 December 2025, for the 2026/2027 administration.
Following a successful electoral process, he was elected National President and officially sworn into office on 9 December 2025, becoming the first student from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) to attain the position.
As President, he has prioritized strengthening the Association's institutional foundations through constitutional, financial, structural, and electoral reforms designed to improve accountability, transparency, continuity, and democratic governance.
His administration also strengthened the practical separation of powers within the Association, promoting greater independence and functionality of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial arms of government. This is the most democratic administration ever in the history of SPAN.
His administration has also pursued an ambitious expansion agenda aimed at ensuring that every undergraduate Physiology student in Nigeria is connected to the national body. Through sustained outreach, digital integration, and chapter engagement efforts, his administration successfully onboarded thousands of Physiology students from universities across Nigeria into unified national platforms, creating the largest national student network in SPAN's history.
Comr. Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun, National President of the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN); Professor S. B. Olaleye, President of the Physiological Society of Nigeria (PSN); and Comr. Ayoade Suleimon Oluwanishola, National Vice President of SPAN, at an official meeting focused on advancing strategic cooperation between SPAN and the Physiological Society of Nigeria in June 2026.
Iyiola Victor, National President and Ayoade Sulaimon, Vice President of SPAN meeting Professor S. B. Olaleye, President of the Physiological Society of Nigeria (PSN) who is also the Grand Patron of SPAN National.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Victor has worked to strengthen SPAN's relationships with stakeholders across academia, professional bodies, and the wider scientific community. His administration has prioritized strengthening relationships with the Physiological Society of Nigeria (PSN), fostering closer collaboration between undergraduate students, academics, researchers, and professional Physiologists. These engagements form part of a broader vision to bridge the gap between student leadership and the professional community.
His administration has also emphasized alumni integration, digital transformation, leadership development, and the creation of opportunities that expose students to careers in research, healthcare, academia, entrepreneurship, and emerging areas of physiological science.
A defining objective of his presidency is the advancement of conversations surrounding the future of Physiology in Nigeria, particularly the promotion of Applied and Clinical Physiology, stronger professional recognition, and clearer career pathways for future graduates.
Through these initiatives, his presidency seeks not only to strengthen SPAN as an organization but also to contribute to the long-term growth and relevance of Physiology as a discipline within Nigeria's healthcare, research, and educational landscape.
Leadership Philosophy
Victor's leadership philosophy is rooted in institution building, accountability, and long-term thinking.
His leadership philosophy is heavily influenced by the belief that institutions outlive individuals and that sustainable progress depends on systems rather than personalities.
One of his most referenced statements reflects this belief:
“Think of the most important thing in your life right now. Politics stands above it, because politics decides who rules, who eats, and who survives.” - Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun
The statement reflects his conviction that leadership and governance have profound consequences for individuals, institutions, and societies.
Research Interests and Academic Aspirations
Beyond student leadership, Victor's primary long-term ambition lies in academia and research.
His long-term interests include physiological regulation, human health and disease mechanisms, translational physiology, health systems research, and the application of scientific evidence to improve healthcare outcomes in Africa.
He believes that research remains one of the most powerful tools for solving societal challenges and improving healthcare outcomes.
For this reason, he continues to pursue opportunities that strengthen his academic foundation and research capacity.
Scientific Communication
Beyond research interests, Victor is passionate about scientific communication and public engagement. He believes scientific knowledge should be accessible beyond academic journals and has consistently advocated for the use of digital platforms to improve public understanding of science, health, and education.
Vision for Physiology in Nigeria
Victor envisions a future where Physiology receives stronger professional recognition and greater representation across healthcare, research, education, public administration, and policy development.
He advocates for clearer career pathways, increased research investment, stronger collaborations between institutions, and broader opportunities for Physiology graduates.
His vision is centered on positioning Physiologists as important contributors to scientific advancement, healthcare innovation, and national development.
Legacy and Future Outlook
The story of Victor is one of academic excellence, professional growth, institutional leadership, and scientific ambition.
From graduating as the best student of his secondary school set to becoming the first FUTA student to serve as a National Executive and later National President of Physiology students in Nigeria, his journey reflects a commitment to excellence, service, and continuous development.
As a scholar, communicator, and student leader, Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun represents a generation of young Africans committed to combining scientific inquiry, institutional leadership, and public service.
While his contributions to student development and institutional leadership have earned national recognition, he views them as only the beginning of a lifelong commitment to research, teaching, mentorship, and the advancement of Physiological sciences. His ultimate aspiration is to contribute meaningfully to scientific knowledge as a researcher, academic, and future professor.
Research Collaborations, Grants and Scholarship Opportunities
As an aspiring researcher and academic, Victor is interested in opportunities that support scientific inquiry, research training, postgraduate education, and international academic collaboration.
He welcomes information regarding research grants, fellowships, postgraduate scholarships, conference opportunities, mentorship programmes, and collaborative projects in Physiology, biomedical sciences, health sciences, and related disciplines.
Researchers, academics, institutions, funding bodies, and organizations interested in potential collaborations or opportunities are encouraged to connect.
Connect With Iyiola Victor Oluwaseun
Victor welcomes opportunities for academic collaboration, research engagement, professional networking, leadership development initiatives, speaking engagements, and discussions related to Physiology, higher education, scientific communication, and student development.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iyiola-victor/
Email: Victoriyiolaofficial@gmail.com
For matters relating to the Students' Physiological Association of Nigeria (SPAN), interested individuals may also connect through the Association's official communication channels.
