Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)

FUTA Don Calls for Use of Indigenous Bacteria in Tackling Crude Oil Pollution

A Professor of Applied Soil and Environmental Microbiology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Fatuyi Olanipekun Ekundayo, has highlighted the remarkable role of naturally occurring microorganisms in addressing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable development. Delivering the University's 200th Inaugural Lecture titled “Productivity of Unseen Allies in Conducive and Unconducive Environments: A Great Wonder!” on Tuesday June 9,2026, Professor Ekundayo emphasized the enormous potential of indigenous bacteria and fungi in restoring crude-oil-polluted environments through bio-remediation.

According to Ekundayo , crude oil contamination remains one of the most serious environmental challenges in Nigeria, particularly in oil-producing communities. He explained that indigenous bacteria and fungi found in contaminated soils possess unique metabolic capabilities that enable them to utilize hydrocarbons as sources of carbon and energy, thereby naturally degrading petroleum pollutants and restoring ecological balance.

Drawing on extensive research conducted in Rivers State and other locations, Professor Ekundayo identified hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial genera such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Arthrobacter, Lactobacillus, and Micrococcus, as well as fungal genera including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Rhizopus. He noted that these microorganisms demonstrated significant biodegradation efficiency, leading to substantial reductions in petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations in contaminated soils.

The inaugural lecturer further explained that microorganisms play indispensable roles in environmental sustainability through biodegradation and bioremediation processes. Beyond pollution control, he noted that microbes contribute to agricultural productivity through the production of biofertilizers, biopesticides, and biological control agents, while also serving as the source of more than 70 percent of naturally derived antibiotics used globally.
Professor Ekundayo disclosed that bacterial and fungal species isolated from automobile workshop soils, market wastewater, and aquatic environments in Akure were found to effectively degrade diesel, petrol, kerosene, and spent engine oil. These findings, he said, demonstrate the viability of indigenous microbial populations as cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional remediation technologies.

He stressed that bioremediation offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to environmental restoration by harnessing naturally occurring microorganisms without introducing additional ecological risks. He added that microbial remediation efficiency can be enhanced through adequate nutrient supply, moisture availability, and proper aeration.

Professor Ekundayo also highlighted emerging applications of microbial biotechnology, particularly the use of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles produced by bacteria and fungi for environmental cleanup, noting that such innovations are expanding the frontiers of pollution management.
Sounding a note of warning the lecturer said that Nigerians should be aware that, “The cowpea farmer overapplying Benomyl destroys the nitrogen-fixing bacteria feeding his family. The hospital personnel discharging untreated effluent exports drug-resistant bacteria to neighbours. The child playing on the open dump site is exposed to Klebsiella pneumoniae resisting 70% of available antibiotics.” He said Microbiology is able to note all this because it is the science of the invisible.

He concluded that indigenous bacteria and fungi remain invaluable environmental allies capable of transforming contaminated ecosystems into productive landscapes. Consequently, he called for increased investment in microbial biotechnology research and the incorporation of bioremediation strategies into national environmental management policies.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Timothy Amos, described the lecture as a reflection of the University's commitment to cutting-edge research and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. She noted that FUTA's continuous investment in research and innovation has strengthened its position as a leading institution addressing national and global development concerns through science and technology.

The Vice Chancellor also commended Professor Ekundayo for his outstanding contributions to microbiology and environmental biotechnology over the years. She observed that the lecture not only enriches academic scholarship but also provides practical solutions for restoring polluted environments, advancing sustainable development, and improving the quality of life of communities affected by environmental degradation.

Fatuyi Olanipekun Ekundayo , Professor of Applied Soil and Environmental Microbiology , presenting FUTA's 200th Inaugural Lecture with the title,"Productivity of Unseen Allies in Conducive and Unconducive Environments ; A Great Wonder," on Tuesday June9,2026.

Join us for the 3rd Annual Research Seminar!

Registration Link:
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*Registration is free for all participants.*

Deadline for registration is 30 June, 2026

Please Note: *Certificates will be issued ONLY to Registered Participants with full attendance*

FUTA Hosts Workshop on Strengthening of Scholarly Work Through Open Access

‎ Due to the huge percentage of research works that goes unnoticed and buried in the wrong channels because of the expensive cost of publication, the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA on 19 May 2026 held a workshop to enlighten researchers on how to get their work published in the Directory Of Open Access Journals.

‎In her lecture titled strengthening African Scholarly Journals Through The Directory Of Open Access Journals, DOAJ Ambassador In Africa and convener of the workshop ,Dr Oluchi Okere explained that DOAJ is a unique and extensive index of peer review open access journal with a mission to increase the visibility, accessibility, reputation, usage and impact of quality, peer-reviewed, open access scholarly research journals globally, regardless of discipline, geography or language.

‎ The DOAJ Ambassador who is also a librarian in FUTA restated her commitment to having all journals in the university published in DOAJ. She stressed that this will improve the university indexing considering the fact that African Academics are caught In the predatory journal trap which limits their strides.
‎Okere lamented that Nigerian Academic Journals have quality issue which should be fixed , hence the need to publish in DOAJ as it adopts best practices criteria, initial checks and licensing issues, independent ,global, inclusive, hundred percent free and independent. She affirmed, "Researchers require access to trusted credible resources as strong research depends on reliable knowledge Authors should publish open access journals removing barriers to ensure research is visible and accessible.” Okere guided participants on how they can tap into this opportunity and mistakes that could delay their articles from getting published or disqualified.

‎In another presentation which also aims to add value to publishing of scholarly work ,as it seeks to address the problem of referencing by researchers, An Alumnus Of FUTA Ayokunle Abu used the occasion to present an app which he developed , " Refinr ", which is yet to be deployed to participants , and urged them to help test run by using and coming up with suggestions on how to improve on it. He explained that, "The app verifies if references are correct, analyses the journal for use and suggests instructional referencing for you as well as telling you where the problem is."

‎ Earlier in a remark, The Director, Centre For Research And Development, FUTA,Prof Kenneth Alaneme lamented the "Huge percentage of our research output that goes unnoticed." While noting that FUTA is ranked best university of technology In Nigeria and 4th best university in Nigeria because of her research output ,the CERAD director noted that the DOAJ seminar was timely and set to further improve this narrative by getting more of her journals published for better indexing.

‎ While declaring the workshop open ,the University Librarian Dr Robert Awoyemi commended Dr Okere’s hard work which saw her emerge as DOAJ ambassador in a keenly contested race. He noted that the beauty of an academic work is to get read , equally agreed that lots of academic work do not have online presence. Akinade said," What is the essence of a publication if not read, publication is for your work to be referenced in reputable indexes. “

‎ Participants at the workshop were drawn from FUTA and Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State. They appreciated the management of FUTA and organizers of the program for such an enlightenment on how to address the hurdles of getting their work published due to the exorbitant price researchers struggle to pay for publication after all their rigorous efforts for a good research work.
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We're not defined by our differences.

Embracing them is a sign of strength, and showing them proudly is true confidence.

Join us this Saturday as we embrace our differences and celebrate our similarities in commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day.

📅 Date: 13 June
🕐 Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: TI Francis, FUTA

Together, let's promote inclusion, understanding, and acceptance.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/HaEcTLhHfSiJoWeA1RpOXf

FUTA Alumnus Elijah Obafemi Wins Ekiti State Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant with JustBukit.

Elijah Obafemi, a First-Class graduate of Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) 2025 set, has been selected as one of the beneficiaries of the Ekiti State Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant for a housing sourcing solution called JustBukit.

JustBukit was born from a challenge faced by thousands of students across Nigerian campuses: finding safe and trustworthy accommodation. Many students lose money to fake agents, they are shown apartments that do not match what was advertised, or pay for accommodations that fail to meet their expectations, or pay without any existing apartments sometimes.

To address this problem, he developed JustBukit, a technology platform designed to connect students with verified housing agents while providing payment protection throughout the accommodation search process.

Through the platform, agents undergo identity verification before they can list properties. Students can browse available accommodations, schedule inspections, and make payments securely. Rather than paying agents directly, payments are held securely and only released when the student has inspected the property and confirmed that the agreed conditions have been met.

The startup is also working on additional features, including an AI-powered roommate matching system and tools that will simplify and secure annual rent payments between students, and landlords.

The idea was presented at the Ekiti State Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme, where it was recognized as a promising technology-driven solution with the potential to solve a real problem affecting students and families.

Speaking about the motivation behind the startup, the goal is not just to help students find accommodation, but to create a trusted housing ecosystem where students can confidently search, inspect, and secure housing without fear of scams.

The JustBukit team is currently onboarding more agents and conducting identity verification to expand the number of trusted accommodation options available to students.

Students looking for accommodation (especially the new students who will be coming in soon) and verified agents interested in listing properties can visit:

justbukit.app

Participants Call for Translation of Research Outcomes into Practical Solutions and Sustainable Ventures at FUTA Women in Science Event.

The Organization for Women in Science for Developing World (OWSD), at the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA , has celebrated its 15th anniversary with a renewed commitment to promoting excellence, innovation and leadership among women in science and technology and a call for systemic translation of scientific ideas and research outcomes into practical solutions and sustainable ventures.

In a lecture delivered in commemoration of the event, the Guest Lecturer and Vice Chancellor, University Of Fortune ,Igbo Tako, Ondo State , Professor Ayo Olajuyigbe posited that in an increasingly technology driven and competitive world, the institutions and society that will shape the future are those capable of combining intellectual excellence with practical relevance. The lecturer underscored the critical role of translating scientific ideas and research outcomes into practical solutions and sustainable ventures capable of driving socio-economic development.
‎Professor Olajuyigbe emphasized that scientific excellence extends beyond academic achievements and research publication as the true relevance of science lies in its ability to solve real-world problems, create value, and contribute meaningfully to national and global development.The lecturer who said he was inspired by the role OWSD continues to play in redefining the landscape of knowledge, mentorship and innovation across the developing world charged them to cultivate innovative mindsets, embrace entrepreneurship, and seek opportunities to commercialize research findings.

He urged Participants to move from merely generating ideas to developing impactful ventures that can address challenges in healthcare, agriculture, technology, environmental sustainability, and other critical sectors. According to him, “the challenge before women scientists particularly in developing countries is therefore to sustain both excellence and relevance simultaneously :to produce research that is intellectually rigorous while also responding meaningfully to societal needs."

Professor Olajuyigbe, who was represented by Prof Olukayode Rotowa of the department of urban and Regional Planning FUTA represented identified challenges confronting Women Scientists to include inadequate funding, weak research infrastructure, policy inconsistency among others called on government to increase investment in science, technology and innovation while strengthening policies that support research commercialization, innovation ecosystems and gender inclusion within stem.

‎ In a remark at the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA Professor Adenike Oladiji affirmed that OWSD has consistently foster increased participation of women from developing countries in scientific and technological research, teaching, and leadership. "Women are peculiar in many ways in terms of biological makeup cultural responsibility and obligations as well as societal challenges it is therefore critical for female scientist to come together with the understanding of their peculiar challenges in support and mentor each other to scale the economic and social political orders on their ways to the pinnacles of their respective careers and also in actualization of their aspirations,” the Vice Chancellor said. Oladiji who was represented by the university librarian Dr Robert Awoyemi celebrated the leadership and members of OSWD, FUTA branch for their good leadership which kept the organization on since the past 15 years.

‎In a welcome address ,the coordinator OWSD FUTA Branch Dr Lydia Adeleke a called on members of the organization to remain committed to unity, integrity ,mutual respect ,mentorship and purposeful collaboration. According to her the organization was established in FUTA in 2010 under the visionary leadership of Prof Ibiyinka Fuwape with the aim of promoting unity among women, advancing academic and professional excellence and contributing meaningfully to the growth of FUTA. She said OWSD has grown into a vibrant platform for mentorship , empowerment ,collaboration and service.

‎In a good will message Professor Folasade Olajuyigbe , who is the national chairperson OWSD Nigeria, pointed out that the organization has grown into a network of over 3,000 members across 49 branches in the six geopolitical zones of the country which reflects the dedication of members and leadership to scientific excellence, mentorship, inclusiveness in International Development.
‎The anniversary celebration featured presentation of awards to individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the growth and advancement of the OWSD.
OWSD is an international network of women in science dedicated to supporting women scientists across developing countries, through research opportunities, leadership development training and professional networking programs.