Students of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), Osun State, have showcased research projects exploring local solutions to public health challenges, including mosquito-borne diseases, diabetes management and food safety.

The projects were presented at the university’s maiden Students’ Research Fair, organised ahead of its first convocation ceremony as part of efforts to promote research, innovation and scientific inquiry among undergraduates.

The maiden research fair represents an effort by FUHSI to strengthen its research culture and encourage students to apply scientific knowledge to practical challenges, particularly those affecting public health and community well-being.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Akeem Olawale Lasisi, said research remained a major driver of university development, noting that strong research programmes could attract philanthropic support, research grants and partnerships with industries.

Prof. Lasisi urged researchers and students to focus on developing home-grown solutions to societal problems, stressing the importance of research that responds to the needs of local communities.

One of the projects, presented by Adediran Precious Opeyemi of the Department of Microbiology, investigated the potential of entomopathogenic fungi as a biological control method against mosquitoes responsible for transmitting diseases such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya.

The study focused on the potential application of the fungi in Ila-Orangun, although the researcher encountered challenges in isolating the relatively rare fungal species required for the investigation.

Another project examined the potential of lime peels in diabetes management. The study, conducted by Abioye J.O., Shehu M.S. and Yusuf B.O., explored the possible health benefits of lime peels, with the researchers reporting findings suggesting that they contained active probiotics with potential relevance to diabetes management.

The findings would require further scientific validation before any definitive health recommendations could be made.

Food safety was also a major focus of the research fair, with Hikmat Adedoyin Ajao and Simiat Olanike Jimoh, both of the Department of Microbiology, investigating the safety of sliced, ready-to-eat fruits sold in Ila-Orangun.

Their study raised concerns about possible health risks associated with poor handling practices and microbial contamination of the fruits, highlighting the need for improved hygiene in food preparation and sales.

The fair attracted members of the university’s management, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and chairman of the event, Prof. Monsuru Adebayo Adeleke; the Registrar; the Bursar; the Provost; and the Director of Research, Prof. Oduola Oladapo.

Others in attendance included the Deputy Director of Research, Dr. Gbemi Onipede; the organiser, Dr. Oyinkansola Fadiji, and other members of staff.

Outstanding participants received cash prizes in recognition of their research efforts. The university offered ₦500,000 to the overall best researcher, ₦350,000 for second place and ₦250,000 for third place.

A special guest, Alhaji Dauda Olajide, also pledged additional support of ₦250,000 for the overall best researcher, ₦250,000 for the second-best researcher and ₦150,000 for the third-place winner.

Afolabi Maryam Olamide of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Shodeinde Grace Oluwabusayomi of Biochemistry emerged joint first-place winners, while Balogun Hameedat Oyetayo, also of Biochemistry, came third.

Microbiologist Taofeek Lateef lauded the students for the quality of their presentations, while all participants received certificates of participation.