… Achievement demonstrates the ingenuity of Nigerian youths and problem-solving capacity – VC

… Urges students to embrace interdisciplinary collaboration, research-driven innovation

A student of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo State, Oluwatayo Ayodele Michael, has earned international recognition for developing a technology that converts agricultural waste into a solution for industrial water pollution.

Michael, of the Department of Physiotherapy, was named a recipient of the NBTI NextGen Innovator Award at an international showcase held at ExCeL London, United Kingdom.

Michael received the award for his innovation, UniThread EcoHusk, which transforms discarded cocoa pod husks into biochar-based filtration materials for treating textile wastewater.

According to a statement by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Isaac Oluyi, the innovation offered a sustainable approach to reducing harmful pollutants before they enter rivers and other water bodies, addressing environmental contamination at its source.

Oluyi maintained that by promoting cleaner water and healthier communities, the technology also has the potential to reduce exposure to pollution-related health risks.

“The international showcase attracted hundreds of innovators, policymakers, investors, industry stakeholders, and government dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, and the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Segun Aina. Representatives of the Commonwealth Investment Network and the British High Commission were also present,” he said.

Reacting to the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, congratulated Michael on the international recognition, describing it as a proud moment for the university and a testament to the ingenuity, creativity, and problem-solving capacity of Nigerian youths.

“We are immensely proud of Oluwatayo Ayodele Michael for this outstanding achievement. Winning the NBTI NextGen Innovator Award on an international platform in London demonstrates that the ingenuity of our young people can produce solutions capable of addressing critical challenges facing humanity.

His achievement brings honor to UNIMED and Nigeria as a whole,” the vice-chancellor stated.

Adejuyigbe noted that UniThread EcoHusk exemplified the importance of research, creativity, and innovation in tackling environmental challenges and protecting public health.

“What makes this innovation particularly commendable is its practical approach to environmental sustainability. By converting discarded cocoa pod husks into useful filtration materials.

“Michael has demonstrated how locally available resources can be transformed into solutions that promote cleaner water, healthier communities, and a more sustainable environment. This is the kind of creative, impact-driven thinking we encourage among our students and researchers at UNIMED,” she added.

The Vice-Chancellor further encouraged students and young researchers to embrace interdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurship, and research-driven innovation, stressing that universities have a vital role to play in developing solutions to local and global challenges.

She reaffirmed UNIMED’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation that translates knowledge into practical benefits for society.