Professor Joseph Ojo Ekiran was born on June 6, 1961. He began his early education at School A Primary School, Iyin-Ekiti, where he studied from 1966 to 1972. He proceeded to Eyemote Comprehensive High School, Iyin-Ekiti, for his secondary education between 1975 and 1980. Thereafter, he attended the College of Arts and Science from 1983 to 1984, where he completed his Advanced Level studies.

In pursuit of higher education, he was admitted to Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) in 1985 and graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Economics. His quest for academic excellence continued at the same University, where he obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Economics in 2004. He further acquired a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the University of Calabar in 2006 and ultimately, earned a Ph.D. in Economics from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti in 2015.

Prof. Ekiran began his professional career as an Accountant at the Ondo State Ministry of Finance, where he worked from 1990 to 1993. He later joined Arakale Community Bank Limited, Akure, serving as an Accountant from 1993 to 2001. Yet, his true calling lay in the realm of academia, and in 2005, he answered that call, joining the then College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti as an Assistant Lecturer and through dedication and scholarly excellence, he rose through the ranks to become a Chief Lecturer. Following the upgrade of the institution to a University in 2020, he transitioned to the university system, becoming an Associate Professor in 2021 and attaining the pinnacle of his academic journey as a  Professor of Economics in 2024.

A scholar of great depth, he has authored and co-authored numerous scholarly publications, illuminating the corridors of economic thought.

 He has also served on several strategic committees, contributing significantly to academic development and institutional growth.

Until his appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) on August 26, 2024, he was the TETFund Desk Officer in the University.