Perseverance earns TUT researcher C3 NRF recognition

After more than a year of waiting, Prof Adewale Olutola from the Tshwane University of Technology’s C3 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF) has affirmed decades of research, postgraduate mentorship and academic leadership.

The rating recognises him as an established researcher and marks a significant milestone in a career defined by perseverance, scholarly excellence and a commitment to developing future researchers.

Prof Olutola, Advocate of Law, Associate Professor of Police Science and Programme Coordinator for Postgraduate Studies in Law, Safety and Security Management, describes the achievement as  a personal milestone, which confirms years of scholarly work and reflects the confidence that colleagues, students and mentors placed in him throughout his career.

The application process required patience and more than a year has passed before the outcome arrived. Reflecting on the experience, Prof Olutola drew on an African proverb: "A mirror cannot see itself." He explained that researchers devote years to publishing, supervising students and building knowledge, yet rely on independent peer reviewers to assess the value and impact of their work.

Prof Olutola credited the Directorate of Research and Innovation for guiding applicants throughout the process and highlighted the importance of institutional support. When the rating finally arrived, it provided external recognition of work that colleagues had long acknowledged. While others already regarded him as an established researcher, he continued to view himself as an emerging scholar. The C3 rating changed that perception.

His academic record reflects sustained excellence. Prof Olutola has published more than 60 articles in DHET-accredited journals and presented more than 50 peer-reviewed papers at national and international conferences. He has taught more than 20 undergraduate subjects and supervised more than 35 master's and 16 doctoral graduates. He currently supervises approximately 18 PhD candidates and 13 master's students.

His research explores comparative legal systems, criminal justice, criminology and policing studies, with a particular focus on poverty, inequality, hunger and criminality. These themes align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Africa Agenda 2063 and South Africa's National Development Plan 2030.

International collaboration has also formed part of his academic journey. Between 2023 and 2024, he served as a visiting researcher at the University of Bocconi in Italy as part of the European Commission-funded CatChain project. He regards the C3 rating not as a destination but as motivation to expand global partnerships and work towards higher levels of NRF recognition.

Prof Olutola acknowledged the role of mentors who recognised his potential early in his career. He recalled the support of former Head of Department Prof Ian de Vries, who appointed him after the completion of his doctorate at a time when he had considered pursuing opportunities elsewhere. Looking back, he believes that confidence played an important role in shaping his academic path.

He also recognised Prof Mashupye Maserumule for opportunities provided during his career, including his appointment as Acting Head of Department. However, Prof Olutola chose to focus his energy on research and postgraduate supervision, believing that investing in students and scholarship would create the greatest impact.

Mentorship is central to his work. He has hosted Post-Doctoral Research Fellows, guided emerging researchers and supported studies examining social challenges linked to crime. He believes effective mentorship requires patience, understanding and a willingness to support people at different stages of their academic development.

His commitment to student success extends beyond supervision. Prof Olutola explained that he has often directed research funding towards student support and academic development. Despite balancing teaching, research, supervision and mentorship responsibilities, he is committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of scholars.

Beyond the University, his expertise contributes to higher education nationally. He serves as an external examiner for more than 10 universities across disciplines including law, police science, criminology and criminal justice, helping to uphold academic standards across the sector.

Reflecting on lessons from his journey, Prof Olutola offers two words: perseverance and endurance. Drawing on values instilled by his parents, he encourages aspiring academics to remain focused on their goals, rise above circumstances and reject shortcuts to success.

For Prof Olutola, the C3 rating recognises far more than research output. It acknowledges years of publication, supervision, mentorship and academic leadership. Most importantly, it strengthens his determination to continue advancing scholarship, supporting postgraduate researchers and building meaningful research collaboration.

The recognition answers one question about his academic standing, but it also opens a new chapter. For Prof Olutola, the path forward is clear: more research, more collaboration, more mentorship and a continued pursuit of excellence.

• Noluthando Key is an Integrated Communication Specialist based at South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM), Department of Public Management, Faculty of Humanities.