20 UI Scholars Bag TETFund, International Research Grants

The University of Ibadan (UI) is once again basking in the glow of academic excellence as its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, celebrated outstanding research teams from various departments who recently secured prestigious grants and international collaborations.

At a special award presentation ceremony held on campus, Professor Adebowale lauded the scholars for winning the 2024 TETFund Institutional-Based Research (IBR) grants and the China-Nigeria Joint Laboratory Project for Soil and Water Conservation and Agricultural Sustainable Development. He praised their efforts as pivotal in maintaining UI’s legacy as Nigeria’s premier university.

“A university is not defined by its buildings, but by the depth of its research,” the VC remarked. “UI’s researchers continue to uphold our reputation as a leading hub of innovation in Africa.”

Professor Adebowale reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering a vibrant research culture. He noted that UI has played a central role in nurturing talents and scholars who have gone on to establish or strengthen other universities across the country.

The VC also emphasized the importance of continuity in academia, stressing the need for strong mentor-mentee relationships to ensure generational knowledge transfer. He urged researchers to embrace interdisciplinary and inter-faculty collaborations to spark more groundbreaking discoveries.

Highlighting Africa’s vast human and natural resources, Professor Adebowale said UI is strategically positioning itself to contribute to continental development through targeted research partnerships.

Speaking earlier, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, SAN, described research as the “engine that drives innovation and solves world problems.” She congratulated the awardees for their dedication and trailblazing spirit.

Among the celebrated researchers was Professor Odutola Oshunsanya of the Department of Soil Science Resource Management, whose team secured the China-Nigeria Joint Laboratory Project Grant.

Others awarded under the 2024 TETFUND IBR scheme included:

• Dr. S. O. Babalola – Arts & Social Science Education

• Dr. A. M. Adegbore – Library, Archival and Information Studies

• Dr. Adedeji Tella – Science & Technology Education

• Dr. Adetunbi M. Akinyemi – Early Childhood Education

• Dr. M. T. Gbolahan – Adult Education

• Dr. Oluwaseun Ariyo – Human Nutrition and Dietetics

• Dr. Adeyi Akindele – Zoology

• Dr. Olugbenga Akinola – Pharmacology & Toxicology

• Dr. Funmilayo E. Olopade – Anatomy

• Dr. O. K. Aromolaran – Geology

• Dr. Mary O. Ugalahi – Ophthalmology

• Dr. Abiola A. Omokhabi – Adult Education

• Dr. Oluseye Adebimpe – Industrial & Production Engineering

• Dr. Folashade Adeboyejo – Food Technology

• Prof. O. Ipingbemi – Urban & Regional Planning

• Dr. O. S. Yaya – Statistics

• Dr. Yingigba Akinyemi – Geography

• Dr. P. O. Ige – Social & Environmental Forestry

• Dr. A. O. Adeyi – Zoology

• Prof. Stella Oladeji – Adult Education