MRS AGNES YEMISI ASAGBRA PhD is a core scientist and researcher with years of experience in contributing to the technological advancement of Nigeria. She is a leading proponent of science and technology as a veritable tool in driving the economy of the country, through innovations and scientific research.

She started her career at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, as a Research Officer in January 1988, and she was deployed to the Fermentation Unit of the then Applied Biology Department of the Institute, now known as the Biotechnology Department. She rose through the ranks and became a Deputy Director in the Biotechnology department in October 2009. She was appointed as Director and Head of the Production, Analytical services and Laboratory Management Department (PALM) in July 2015. Dr. Asagbra occupied this position until her appointment as the Acting Director General/CEO of FIIRO on the 10th of February, 2020

Dr. Yemisi Asagbra holds a Doctoral Degree in Food and Industrial Microbiology from the University of Ibadan (2004), a Master of Science Degree in Microbiology from the University of Benin, (1987) and a Bachelor of Science Degree [Hons] in Biology from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, (1983).

Over the years Dr. Yemisi Asagbra worked on a variety of research projects such as, Food fermentation, antibiotics fermentation, quality systems- HACCP, waste utilization and many others.

She is an advocate of impactful mentoring of young and upcoming scientists and a specialist in the area of quality and food safety with a strong passion for human capacity development and purposeful leadership. Her area of expertise includes, Food Microbiology and Biotechnology, Food Fermentation, Molecular Biology techniques, Food Quality & Safety Management, Good Manufacturing and Hygiene Practices. (GMP and GHP). 

She is a member of several certified organizations such as AMIN, IPAN, IRCA, ASM, NSM and she is also a Fellow of NIFST. Dr. Yemisi Asgbara is also an IQCS/DQS Auditor. Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2008, ISO 9001:2015) and IQCS/ DQS Auditor: Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000:2005).

She has many awards, credits and commendations to herself in the course of her career, notable among them are the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (Mentor), the GRATITUDE Project (EU Project) etc.