YabaTech secures N62.9m grant for research in marine pollution, renewable energy

The Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) has secured grants worth over N62.9 million for transformative projects.

Adekunle Adams, deputy registrar at YabaTech’s public relations unit, addressed the press in a communique.

He said the grants are from the National Research Fund administered by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The registrar said Emodi Izuchukwu of YabaTech’s School of Art, Design, and Printing received N24.1 million to pioneer his project on marine pollution and the blue economy.

Izuchukwu’s project, titled “Transforming Marine Pollution into Art”, will creatively convert marine waste into artworks.

Adams said 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 further disclosed that Akin Olaleru of YabaTech’s School of Engineering received N38.8 million for groundbreaking research on hybrid perovskite semiconductors for efficient photovoltaic devices.

Hybrid perovskite semiconductors are a new class of materials that combine the low-cost processability of organic materials with the high-performance electrical properties of inorganic semiconductors.

Their unique properties make efficient, low-cost solar cells with the potential to rival traditional silicon-based 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.

The registrar stressed the importance of applied research in driving national growth, industry transformation and environmental protection.

“This achievement reaffirms our commitment to producing research that delivers practical solutions to real-world problems,” he said.

“With these grants, Yabatech continues leading transformative research that impacts society, industry and the environment.”

Adams reaffirmed Yabatech’s reputation as Nigeria’s leading institution for technological innovation and applied research.

He declared that the institution remains committed to shaping Nigeria’s future through innovation, creativity and groundbreaking scientific exploration.