John Akerele

Dr John Akerele is a Senior Lecturer in Security and Risk Management within the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies, where he teaches a wide range of modules. In his teaching, John adopts an interdisciplinary approach that bridges theoretical concepts and practical applications in security studies. His approach encourages reflection, critical thinking and unlearning, drawing on industry experience to foster a deeper understanding of risk, crises and security management.

Prior to his academic career, John had an extensive background in the corporate security sector, where he held senior leadership roles. John also provided training and consultancy to private and government agencies internationally, particularly across Africa.  His research explores contemporary security phenomena and the complexities involved in identifying, assessing, and managing emerging security threats.

John holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Computing, an MSc (Distinction) degree in Security Management, and a Doctorate degree in Security Risk Management from the University of Portsmouth. His academic career began as a part-time lecturer before transitioning into a full-time role. He currently serves as the Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) Security and Risk Management programme. In recognition of his contributions to academic excellence, John received a certificate of recognition from the Association of Security Consultants. Additionally, John and one of his students won the 2024 Industrial Security Award, organised by the Korean Association for Industrial Security, for their contributions to improving practices in the private security sector.

John's research journey began with an interest in improving the aviation sector in Africa, which later evolved into ameliorating the private security sector in the UK. This interest formed the basis of his doctoral research, which examined the safety and professionalism of door supervision within the night-time economy. John's research interests have now expanded to encompass a broad range of areas, which include:

• Safety and Security Management
• Risk and Crisis Management
• Security Regulations and Policies 
• Transportation Security
• Cybersecurity 
• Economic Crimes

Doctoral supervision 

John is actively involved in doctoral supervision and welcomes candidates interested in research related to security studies or any of his areas of expertise.

John teaches across various levels within the university and assesses the following modules:

• Organisation and Security Management
• Business Continuity and Crisis Management.
• Global, State and Corporate Security.
• Risk and Crisis Management 
• Essential Skills for Criminologists.
• Criminal Justice.
• Global Security
• Researching Criminology.

Supervision:

• Undergraduate Dissertations
• Master’s Dissertations
• PhD Theses