The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) says two of its multidisciplinary research teams have received a major boost, having secured grants worth nearly N80 million.

Adekunle Adams, the institution’s Deputy Registrar, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos, said the grants were under the 2026 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund intervention.

Mr Adams explained that the grants were awarded for innovative research projects focusing on renewable energy, environmental sustainability, waste management and food preservation.

He said the development further underscored YABATECH’s growing reputation as a centre for applied research, innovation and technological advancement.

One of the projects, he noted, titled “Smart Waste Management and Cold Chain Logistics: Integrating IoT and Biogas for Efficient Perishable Food Storage” was being led by Tairu Toyin of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

“The project received approximately N41 million in funding and seeks to deploy Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and biogas-powered systems to tackle waste management challenges and improve storage of perishable agricultural produce.

“The research is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen food security, improve energy efficiency and promote environmental sustainability,” the YABATECH Deputy Registrar added.

He stated that members of the research team included Ismail Badmus, Ojesipe Adeoye, Badmus Babatunde, Abdullahi Akinleye, Akinjaiyeju Olubunmi and others.

He noted that the second project titled, “Circular Economy: Converting Plastic Waste to Gas by Gasification” was led by Ogunyemi Olumide of the Department of Chemical Engineering.

According to Mr Adams, the project attracted N38.78 million and focuses on developing sustainable technologies for converting plastic waste into useful gaseous fuel through gasification processes.

“This multidisciplinary team comprises experts from Biological Sciences, Urban and Regional Planning, Mechanical Engineering and the Central Research Laboratory, alongside three mentees from Vocational Education, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering,” he said.

The YABATECH Deputy Registrar quoted the researchers as saying that the innovation would provide practical solutions to plastic pollution, while creating alternative energy sources for communities and industries.

Mr Adams disclosed that the twin grants formed part of the federal government’s N7.5 billion intervention approved through TETFund for 174 research projects across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education nationwide.

The Rector of YABATECH, Ibraheem Abdul, in the statement, described the grants as a reflection of the institution’s unwavering commitment to research excellence and innovation.

Mr Abdul said the institution had continued to invest in research capable of generating transformative solutions in renewable energy, environmental management, food security and industrial development.

“These grants reaffirm YABATECH’s commitment to research excellence and innovation, strengthening our capacity to develop practical solutions that address national development challenges effectively.

“With nearly N80 million secured, these projects position YABATECH prominently within Nigeria’s knowledge economy while advancing sustainable development, environmental protection and industrial growth.” he added.

The rector commended TETFund for supporting impactful research, and noted that outcomes from the funded projects would stimulate innovation, create employment opportunities and contribute to national economic growth.

According to him, TETFund’s intervention represents a strategic investment in knowledge creation, enabling researchers to produce innovations that enhance productivity, generate employment and strengthen economic growth.

Adams added that other beneficiaries of the intervention included Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Kaduna Polytechnic and some other tertiary institutions across the country. 

(NAN)