On April 8, 2025, the StartUp Lagos Team, alongside the Lagos State Science and Innovation Council (LASRIC), visited Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH). The team, led by Mr. Lateef Alani, the Coordinator of LASRIC Support and Secretariat, included Mr. Princewill Onyekachi, Olabimpe Olatunji, and a production crew. This visit aimed to engage with previous LASRIC grant recipients, assess the impact of these grants, and generate content to enhance LASRIC's global profile.
The LASRIC team was warmly welcomed by Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, the Director of the Center for Research Support and Grant Management at YABATECH, along with her colleagues Mr. Atoyebi Abdulwakeel and Mr. Aguh. Mrs. Doherty introduced the LASRIC beneficiaries to the visiting team, noting that while the Rector was aware of the visit, he was unfortunately unavailable due to another important meeting.
Engaging with Grant Awardees
Following the introductions, the StartUp Lagos team engaged with three past beneficiaries of LASRIC grants, who highlighted their significant contributions to research and societal development:
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Dr. Adewoye Bolajoko Ph.D
A lecturer in the Department of Biological Science, Bolajoko presented her research on the Ecological Survey of Insects across three selected rice fields in Lagos State (Ikorodu, Itoikin, and Ise). Her study focused on identifying insects in Lagos rice fields and categorizing them into functional guilds such as beneficials (predators and parasitoids) pests and neutrals. She also identified Chilo zacconius as a major economic pest of rice in the selected fields. Bolajoko is dedicated to training farmers on recognizing insect pests, their symptoms, and integrated pest management tactics. She aims to enhance farmers' understanding of insect ecology, which is crucial for guiding their pesticide applications. Dr. Bolajoko expressed that LASRIC funding has enabled her to translate research findings into practical training programs, effectively bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and agricultural practices. She also indicated an openness to collaborating with other institutions to further develop training and production programs based on her research findings.
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Dr. Funmilayo V. Doherty Ph.D
As a chief lecturer in the Department of Biological Science and Director of the Center for Research Support and Grant Management, Dr. Doherty discussed her research on developing a framework for the management of plastic pollution and building capacity among women and youths in Lagos State. With plastic waste disposal being a significant challenge in Lagos, her research focuses on examining socio-demographic factors that influence waste management behaviors and assessing residents’ attitudes towards plastic waste. Since receiving LASRIC funding, her team has created a comprehensive waste management framework detailing various strategies for effective disposal and recycling. Dr. Doherty highlighted that the funding has reshaped their focus on finding viable solutions to plastic waste management, which is crucial for community health and environmental sustainability. Additionally, she noted the establishment of partnerships with various stakeholders, facilitated by proposals developed through LASRIC funding, paving the way for further collaborative opportunities. Her plans include establishing a recycling hub aimed at promoting sustainable waste management and generating local economic opportunities. -
Dr, Ajagbe Eyitayo Folashade
A lecturer in the Department of Biological Science, Ajagbe shared her research on Microplastic Pollution Indices in Bottled Water from Lagos State. Her research aims to observe and quantify microplastic contamination in bottled water, an issue that poses serious public health concerns. The LASRIC funding has significantly expanded the scope of her research, allowing her to conduct comprehensive sampling and analysis, which has revealed troubling levels of microplastics in bottled water. This critical finding underscores the importance of understanding environmental contamination and its health implications. Dr. Ajagbe has collaborated with colleagues to enhance research efforts and shared her findings at a conference in Ghana, fostering further connections within the academic community. Her commercialization strategy includes exploring production methods for environmentally safe bottled water, emphasizing the need to prioritize public health while addressing pollution issues.
The visit from the LASRIC team was highly productive and highlighted the positive impact of their funding on research development within YABATECH. Interactions with past beneficiaries underscored significant advancements in their projects, showcasing their potential for commercialization and societal benefits. The insights gained will contribute to enhancing LASRIC's global profile and fostering greater collaboration between the council and academic institutions.
YABATECH looks forward to strengthening its partnership with LASRIC, anticipating further opportunities for collaborative research, innovation, and development initiatives. The university administration is committed to creating an environment conducive to groundbreaking research that addresses real-world challenges.
Written by: Princewill Onyekachi
StartUp Lagos
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