Yabatech Lecturers Win ₦62.9 Million Research Grants for Sustainability and Renewable Energy

Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) has once again strengthened its reputation as a hub for innovation and applied research. Two of its distinguished lecturers have secured over ₦62.9 million in TETFund/National Research Fund (NRF) grants for groundbreaking projects that promise to transform Nigeria’s approach to environmental sustainability and renewable energy.

In a statement issued by the institution’s Deputy Registrar, Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations, Mr. Adekunle Adams, the achievement was described as a major milestone for Yabatech and a reflection of its commitment to driving national development through research and technological innovation.

Transforming Marine Pollution into Art

Dr. Emodi Anthony Izuchukwu, a sculptor and lecturer in the Department of Fine Art, was awarded ₦24.1 million for a pioneering project titled Transforming Marine Pollution into Art.

This research seeks to convert marine waste into artistic creations, offering a creative solution to the growing challenge of ocean pollution while also advancing Nigeria’s blue economy and cultural renewal.

Dr. Izuchukwu, who holds a Ph.D. in Sculpture, will lead a multidisciplinary team that includes Chinyere Ndubuisi, Emmanuel Irokanulo, Florence Nweke, and Adenike Ezeagwu. Their work is expected to generate eco-friendly, creative approaches aligned with global sustainability goals while positioning environmental art as a tool for both cultural expression and ecological protection.

Advancing Solar Power with Nanotechnology

In the field of renewable energy, Dr. Akin Olaleru from the School of Engineering received ₦38.8 million to conduct cutting-edge research on Hybrid Perovskite Semiconductors for Efficient Photovoltaic Devices.

The study focuses on advancing Nigeria’s solar power sector through breakthroughs in nanotechnology, sustainable photovoltaics, and clean energy solutions.

Dr. Olaleru will work with collaborators Olufunke Oyebamiji, Olasoji Adekoya, and Matthew Solomon, with the aim of producing results that could accelerate access to affordable renewable energy across the country. The findings may also help position Nigeria as a regional leader in solar energy innovation.

Driving National Development Through Research

“These landmark awards highlight Yabatech’s growing role in addressing global challenges through sustainability and technological innovation,” Adams said.

He emphasized that applied research is vital for national growth, industry transformation, and environmental protection, and congratulated the beneficiaries for their groundbreaking achievements.

The management of Yabatech also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting high-impact research that bridges the gap between academia, industry, and society.

“With these grants, Yabatech continues to lead transformative research with real-world applications that can positively impact society, the environment, and the economy,” Adams added.

A Step Forward for Nigerian Research

The success of these two lecturers highlights the importance of research funding in Nigerian higher institutions and the role of TETFund in promoting innovation. With a focus on both environmental sustainability and renewable energy, these projects reflect the urgent need for solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges — from ocean pollution to energy shortages.

As the projects unfold, Yabatech is expected to strengthen its influence in the global research community, proving once again that Nigerian institutions can make meaningful contributions to solving real-world problems through technology, creativity, and scientific excellence.