In 2022, Tobiloba S. Olajide became ASET’s first Emerging International member.
At the time, Olajide had recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physiology and was just venturing into the neuro-community. ASET wanted to catch up with him to see how he was progressing. It turns out a lot has happened in just a few years! Olajide is now working as a research assistant at the Laboratory for Experimental and Translational Neurobiology at the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo, Nigeria. In 2025, he won an honorable mention in the International Neuroethics Society’s essay contest for his paper, “From Pathology to Paradigm: Neurodiversity in Ethical Neuroscience.”
“Since becoming ASET’s first Emerging International Member in 2022, my career has accelerated in ways I honestly could never have imagined,” he shared. “That opportunity became the foundation for a much larger journey in understanding the brain.”
1. What have you been most surprised to learn in your journey so far?
One of the most surprising outcomes was co-authoring a publication in The Neurodiagnostic Journal, where we outlined strategies to strengthen neurodiagnostics in Africa. I would like to thank Melissa Donovan and Connie Kubiak for believing in me and supporting the manuscript. Being my first publication as a first author, the experience helped shape my confidence as a young scientist and has also helped me academically in publishing other works in the field.
2. Have you attended any industry events recently?
I attended the 3rd Biannual African Neurophysiology Society (ANS) Conference in October in Ghana through the support of Connie Kubiak. This conference provided valuable opportunities to network with clinicians and researchers across the continent. We also received hands-on training in the 10–20 EEG electrode placement system and nerve conduction studies. Additionally, we were introduced to microneurography, an emerging diagnostic technique used to evaluate small-fiber neuropathy, by one of the speakers, Ana Ribeiro.
3. What inspired your topic selection for your honorable mention-winning essay?
Neuroethics is not well known in most low-middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nigeria, and my interest in diversity and inclusion led me to specifically write on neurodiversity. With the mindset that impactful science emerges from diverse perspectives and collaborative networks, my aim in writing was to bridge the gap between neuroscience and neurodiversity by emphasizing the importance of inclusive scientific thinking. Interestingly, during the course of my writing, I had the privilege of meeting Judy Singer, who is credited with coining the word “neurodiversity.” Her guidance and enlightenment also contributed to the credibility of the essay.
4. Who has been your biggest role model or influencer in life?
My role models include every individual who has mentored me and directed my career path in neuroscience, including my current supervisor, Dr. Omamuyovwi Ijomone, under whom I am carrying out my master’s research and training. I would also like to appreciate other mentors such as Dr. Abraham Asuku, Connie Kubiak, and Professor Johannes Boltze for their guidance so far in this path.
5. In your opinion, how can ASET best help the international neurodiagnostic community?
Through collaborations which we briefly highlighted in our editorial in The Neurodiagnostic Journal. I am glad that, during the ANS Conference, a memorandum between ASET and ANS was established.
