Biography

Professor Dele Alaba Ilesanmi is a Nigerian professor, theologian, biblical researcher, Christian educator, pastor, author, editor, and academic administrator whose scholarly and professional career reflects a sustained commitment to Biblical Research Studies, Biblical Christian Education, Theoretical Theology, Faith Theology, and Biblical Theory.

He is a Professor in Biblical Research Studies, Theology, and Biblical Christian Education, with the highest academic qualifications of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Christian Education and a Doctor of Theology (ThD) in Theology. His academic formation also includes a Master of Arts in Christian Education, postgraduate qualifications in Theology, Tent-Making and Mission, and Teacher Education, as well as a Bachelor of Education in Educational Management and a Higher National Diploma in Banking and Finance. This multidisciplinary educational background has contributed to the breadth of his academic, theological, educational, and professional interests.

Professor Ilesanmi is particularly recognised for his pioneering work in Biblical Research Studies, Biblical Education, Faith Theology, and Theoretical Theology. His research interests include biblical research methodology, theological inquiry, Biblical Christian Education, evaluation models, and the development of conceptual and theoretical frameworks for the study and teaching of biblical knowledge. His academic profile identifies him as a pioneer in these specialised areas of scholarship.

His professional journey began in education and teaching. He has taught English, Oral English, Literature-in-English, Commerce, and Economics at various secondary schools in Nigeria. These experiences provided a strong foundation for his later career as a Christian educator and theological lecturer. His professional development demonstrates a continuing interest in the relationship between education, knowledge, character formation, and Christian faith.

In the field of theological and Christian education, Professor Ilesanmi has served as a Lecturer in Theology, Christology, Pneumatology, and Christian Education at the Redeemed Christian Bible College since 2008. He has also served as a School of Disciples Lecturer within the Redeemed Christian Church of God since 2009. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as Lecturer and Coordinator of the RCF School of Disciples across campuses in Ekiti State. These roles demonstrate his long-standing commitment to theological instruction, ministerial training, discipleship, and Christian education.

Professor Ilesanmi is also an ordained pastor and has served in several ecclesiastical and administrative capacities. His experience includes church administration, Sunday school teaching, youth ministry, pastoral service, editorial leadership, and research coordination. He served as a Provincial Researcher for RCCG Ekiti Province 7 between 2018 and 2021 and was also involved in the Ekiti Family Programme Committee of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

His academic and professional contributions extend significantly into scholarly publishing and editorial leadership. He has served as Managing Editor of the African Journal of Kingdom Education, Lead Editor and Editor-in-Chief of the Mature Journal of the International Institute of Christian Theologians, Scholars, and Professionals, and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Biblical Research Studies. His editorial work reflects his commitment to the development of Christian scholarship, biblical research, and theological publishing.

As a prolific scholar and author, Professor Ilesanmi has produced a substantial body of scholarly work. His publications address biblical research methodology, faith theology, African theology, Christian education, theological epistemology, Pneumagogy, biblical interpretation, church development, Christian morality, Christianity and globalisation, and the relationship between religion and society. His works include articles, conference papers, magazine and bulletin contributions, books, monographs, book chapters, and academic theses.

Among his notable areas of intellectual contribution is the development of new concepts and theoretical approaches within Biblical Christian Education and theological research. His work on Pneumagogy proposes a framework for understanding teaching and learning in Christian education beyond conventional pedagogical models. Similarly, his scholarship on Faith Theology, Scriptural Review, Theowordiness Evaluation, Pneumagenesial Theory, and Theogenesial and Theogogical approaches reflects his effort to develop specialised conceptual tools for biblical and theological scholarship.

Professor Ilesanmi is also an accomplished author of books and monographs. His works include Foundations of Theological Studies: A Guide to Teachers and Students, Biblical Research: Introduction to Biblical Research Writing, Biblical Research: Etymology and Concept of Research, African Theology: A Theogenesial and Theogogical Comparison, Jesus is God: An Eloquent Testimony from the Qur’an and the Bible, and Pneumagogy in Christian Education.

His academic work is complemented by participation in conferences, seminars, and scholarly presentations. He has presented papers on Biblical Christian Scholarly Research, Christian Education, African Pentecostalism, accountability, theology, and the relationship between religion, morality, education, and society. These engagements demonstrate his active participation in intellectual and professional discourse.

Professor Ilesanmi's contributions have also been recognised through various awards and honours. These include recognition as the Best President of the Federation of Ekiti State Students Union at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa; a commendation from the Redeemed Christian Church of God for his service; recognition as the Best Executive Member of the International Institute of Christian Theologians, Scholars and Professionals in 2023; and the Biblical Researcher of the Year Award in 2025.

Beyond his academic and theological activities, Professor Ilesanmi has demonstrated leadership from his student years. He served in various student leadership positions, including President of the Federation of Ekiti State Students Union and President of the Federation of Osi-Ekiti Students Union. He also held editorial and administrative positions in student and educational organisations.

Professor Dele Alaba Ilesanmi therefore represents a distinctive model of the contemporary scholar-practitioner. His career brings together academic research, theological education, Christian ministry, publishing, editorial leadership, authorship, mentorship, and institutional development. Through his research and writing, he continues to contribute to the growth of Biblical Research Studies, Christian Education, Theology, and faith-based scholarship.

His scholarly identity is particularly distinguished by his commitment to developing new approaches, concepts, and frameworks for biblical and theological inquiry. As a professor, researcher, author, pastor, educator, and academic editor, Professor Dele Alaba Ilesanmi has established a multidisciplinary professional profile that connects rigorous scholarship with Christian education, ministerial formation, and the broader development of theological knowledge.