By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has secured nearly N80 million in research grants from the 2026 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund to undertake two innovative projects aimed at addressing waste management, renewable energy, food preservation and environmental sustainability.
The development was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday by the Deputy Registrar of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Mr. Adekunle Adams, who said the grants further reinforce the college’s growing reputation as a centre for applied research, innovation and technological advancement.
According to the statement, one of the projects, titled “Smart Waste Management and Cold Chain Logistics: Integrating IoT and Biogas for Efficient Perishable Food Storage,” received about N41 million in funding.
The research, led by Mr. Tairu Toyin of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, will deploy Internet of Things (IoT) technology and biogas-powered systems to improve waste management and preserve perishable agricultural produce.
Adams said the project is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance food security, improve energy efficiency and promote environmental sustainability.
The second project, “Circular Economy: Converting Plastic Waste to Gas by Gasification,” secured N38.78 million and is being led by Dr. Ogunyemi Olumide of the Department of Chemical Engineering.
According to Adams, the research focuses on converting plastic waste into useful gaseous fuel through gasification technology, providing practical solutions to plastic pollution while creating alternative energy sources for communities and industries.
Reacting to the development, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, described the grants as a testament to the institution’s commitment to research excellence and innovation.
“These grants reaffirm YABATECH’s commitment to research excellence and innovation, strengthening our capacity to develop practical solutions that address national development challenges effectively,” he said.
Abdul added that the research projects would strengthen the institution’s contribution to Nigeria’s knowledge economy while advancing sustainable development, environmental protection and industrial growth.
He also commended TETFund for supporting impactful research, saying the intervention would stimulate innovation, create employment opportunities and contribute to national economic growth.
According to the Deputy Registrar, the two grants are 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.
He added that other beneficiaries include Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Federal Polytechnic Nekede and Kaduna Polytechnic, among other tertiary institutions.
#grants
… reposted this!