LAUTECH's 68th Inaugural Lecture: Don advocates synergy between universities and research agencies

LAUTECH’s 68th Inaugural Lecture: Don advocates synergy between universities and research agencies

Inaolaji OLAYODE

A don of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Professor Lukuman Adekilekun Jimoda has advocated the need for collaboration between universities and research agencies.

Jimoda, a professor of chemical engineering, making this disclosure Thursday while delivering the 68th Inaugural Lecture of the university, themed, “Unraveling Tropospheric Pollution: Chemical engineering insights into coupled monitoring, nonlinear modeling and sustainable mitigation and sustainable pathways,” said, “My experience over the years as a Professor of Chemical Engineering, a practical field, as a consultant as well as Chairman/member of several Panels through Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja, has revealed that most personnel in Environmental Engineering and Modeling are not fully grounded. Very few of us passed through our own Prof. Funsho Alaba Akeredolu and Prof. Jacob Ademola Sonibare. For example, in my several panels assignment, the results of air quality and noise samplings are not being subjected to the averaging period of the targeted standard, making the necessary comparison wrong. Most personnel in this area need to be fully grounded in Environmental Engineering techniques and modeling.”

Prof Jimoda with the Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH Prof Rasak Olatunde ROM Kalilu

He further noted that there should be interdisciplinary collaboration and research funding. “There should be interdisciplinary collaboration and research funding: Form consortia of researchers, policymakers, and NGOs to translate emission and bio-coagulation findings into policies. Increase research grants to take pollution studies seriously, focusing on green material innovations like biobased composites. Future collaborations should align national standards with global benchmarks.”

Professor Jimoda also stated that renewable energy with policy support should be promoted stressing that policies should be implemented for renewable integration for transceiver stations.

He similarly noted the general public should be given proper orientation on the importance of pollution control and public engagement in mitigation strategies.

He urged campaigns should be launched “to promote cleaner fuels and waste reduction, addressing household CO emissions (99% in Lagos),” and also the introduction of “policies incentivizing community participation in pollution control. Future digital platforms and Al chatbots, supported by grants, should enhance public engagement in mitigation strategies.”

The Timi of Ede HRM Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal Laminisa 1

The don also advocated incentivizing “solar and wind energies to reduce diesel generator reliance, mitigating air and noise pollution (eg. 152.4 dB(A) in Ikorodu). Introduce policies mandating renewable integration for base transceiver stations. Future research should explore hybrid systems, supported by grants for clean energy innovation.”

He veered off to waste management policies and funding, maintaining, “Implement the 4Rs framework (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Restoration) through national policies, increasing funding to reverse the decline from US$163 million to US$1.8 million. Strengthen state waste management boards with technical expertise. Future Al-based waste sorting technologies should be prioritized via research grants.”

He lays emphasis on collaboration across fields saying the important thing is to boost sustainable environmental protection in the face of various challenges. “The interdisciplinary nature of my research reflects the importance of collaboration across science, policy, and community domains. By bridging technical insights with practical solutions, my work has laid a foundation for sustainable environmental management. Yet, the challenges remain formidable, requiring continued innovation, regulatory enforcement, and public engagement to achieve lasting impact.”

Prof Jimoda added, “I envision a future where Al-driven pollution forecasting and green material innovations play pivotal roles. These technologies hold promises for predicting environmental risks and developing sustainable alternatives, empowering communities to proactively manage resources. My research will continue to explore these frontiers, fostering partnerships to drive transformative change in Nigeria and beyond.

“This lecture is a call to action for researchers, scientists, engineers, policymakers, and citizens to unite in pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world. The lessons from my studies through rigorous science and engineering knowledge, informed policy, and community involvement offer a blueprint for progress. Together, we can confront the legacy of planet where air, water, and land thrive in harmony pollution and build a sustainable legacy for future generations, ensuring a planet where air, water, and land thrive in harmony.”

In an interview with the newsmen, Professor Jimoda admonished lecture should not be limited to the four walls of classroom only, that researches should be marketed by romancing with the government, ”I am not saying we should be politicians, but we can be technocrats whereby our knowledge in the area will be sought for in state governance,” he stressed.

The event was attended by the governor of Osun state, Senator Ademola Adeleke (represented by the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye); Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Timi of Ede among other dignitaries.