The Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) has achieved a milestone as two staff secured TETFund/National Research Fund grants worth over ₦62.9 million for transformative projects.
The announcement was made on Monday in a statement by the Deputy Registrar, Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations, Mr Adekunle Adams.
Adams reaffirmed Yabatech’s reputation as Nigeria’s leading institution for technological innovation and applied research.
He said Dr Emodi Izuchukwu of the School of Art, Design and Printing, received ₦24.1 million to pioneer his project on marine pollution and the blue economy.
Izuchukwu’s project, Transforming Marine Pollution into Art, will creatively convert marine waste into artworks.
According to Adams, the research promotes environmental sustainability while enhancing maritime opportunities for inclusive economic growth and cultural renewal in Nigeria.
He said Izuchukwu will lead a multidisciplinary team, including Chinyere Ndubuisi, Emmanuel Irokanulo, Florence Nweke, and Adenike Ezeagwu, to explore innovative methods for converting marine waste into assets.
Adams also disclosed that Dr Akin Olaleru of the School of Engineering received ₦38.8 million for groundbreaking research on hybrid perovskite semiconductors for efficient photovoltaic devices.
Olaleru and his co-researchers, including Olufunke Oyebamiji, Olasoji Adekoya and Matthew Solomon, aim to accelerate Nigeria’s solar power sector through clean energy and sustainable technology research.
“These landmark awards highlight Yabatech’s growing influence in addressing global challenges through sustainability and technological innovation,” Adams said.
He stressed the importance of applied research in driving national growth, industry transformation and environmental protection.
Congratulating the beneficiaries, the management said the recognition underscores Yabatech’s vision.
“This achievement reaffirms our commitment to producing research that delivers practical solutions to real-world problems.
“With these grants, Yabatech continues leading transformative research that impacts society, industry and the environment,” Adams added.
He declared that the institution remains committed to shaping Nigeria’s future through innovation, creativity and groundbreaking scientific exploration.