Our researchers have what it takes to compete globally —AAUA VC

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, has again recorded another feat as two of its academic staff won grants from the world-acclaimed Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation of Germany (AVHF) and the International Foundation for Science (IFS), Sweden.

The researchers, Dr I.A Ololade, an Associate Professor and Acting Head, Department of Chemical Sciences, won $12,000 from IFS, while Dr. N.A. Ladoja, a Senior Lecturer and Hydrochemist, won equipment grants worth 19,800 Euros.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, who inspected the scientific equipment procured with the grants at the Biochemical Laboratory of the university, described the grants as big donations from AVHF and IFS.

The VC expressed the confidence that AAUA has researchers that can compete favourably with their peers around the world.

He said: “These grants are very big donations from AVHF and IFS. It takes only great scholars to win these kinds of grants. I want to say that the university is very proud of these distinguished scientists, Dr Ladoja and Dr Ololade.

“AAUA has great researchers who can compete with their peers around the world. The grants will, no doubt, add great value to research endeavours in the university.”

Professor Ajibefun added, “It is equally important for members of staff, particularly the academic staff, to compete for grants as these ones so that scholarship can be enhanced and the image of the university can continue to soar both locally and internationally. What we are witnessing today is a pointer to the fact that our university is one that prioritises cutting-edge research.”

Dr Ladoja, whose research grant is given to support a research proposal written and submitted to the foundation to develop a Ceramic Membrane  for ground-water deflorisation, said he has enjoyed a lot of support from the university as it creates enabling environment for research to thrive.

Ladoja said: “The essence of the grant from AVHF is to support a research proposal written and submitted to the foundation to develop a Ceramic Membrane for ground-water deflorisation. This is not my first grant. I had also won other grants, but this is for highly-skilled researchers. I have enjoyed a lot of support from the university. The university creates enabling environment for research.”

Dr Ololade explained that the grant given to him is to enable him to do a research which is aimed at evaluating the level of power flow in rivers across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria.

He said, “I have won several grants at both local and international levels. This is my second time of winning grants from IFS. It was quite exciting when the news came that my second application was approved, but the fact still remains that it is a very challenging experience. I must say that the university has been very supportive, especially in the area of research.

The university appreciates scholarship, and quality, and that is one reason researchers are succeeding. If we continue like this and we sustain the quality of the researches that are going on in the university, AAUA will rank among the best universities in Africa and even globally.”

Some of the items procured with the grant from the IFS are Nitrogen Evaporator, Solid Phase Extraction Cartridge, Field Ice Box, Nitrogen Gas Cylinder, Generator, Big-size Refrigerator, Glassware/Kits, and Modified anaerobic box.

Items and equipment such as Ion Analyzer, Fluoride Ion Electrode, Fluoride Standard Solutions, Mechanical Shaker, Peristaltic pump, Membrane filter, sample bottles and Glass column were also procured with the fund from AVHF.