As concerns over air pollution and environmental sustainability continue to grow globally, researchers have identified green nanotechnology as a promising pathway for developing affordable, locally sourced solutions capable of improving air quality and protecting public health.
The recommendation emerged at the 84th Birthday Celebration and 3rd Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye Chemical Engineering Education Forum, held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Organised by the Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye Trust Fund, University of Lagos (PAFOTFUL), the event celebrated the enduring legacy of one of Nigeria’s foremost chemical engineers while advancing conversations on sustainable engineering solutions.
Development of Hybrid Photocatalysis and Nanoparticles-Modified Adsorbent Systems for Indoor and Urban Air Pollution Control
The 3rd Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye Chemical Engineering Lecture titled “Development of Hybrid Photocatalysis and Nanoparticles-Modified Adsorbent Systems for Indoor and Urban Air Pollution Control” was delivered by Professor Jamiu Adetola Adeniran of the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin.
Professor Adeniran’s paper highlighted how green-synthesised nanoparticles combined with locally available agro-waste materials can significantly improve the capture of harmful indoor and outdoor air pollutants. According to him, the hybrid technology has shown considerable promise in laboratory and pilot-scale studies, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional air filtration systems.
He explained that readily available agricultural wastes, including plant leaves, banana peels, chicken feathers, and seed pods, could serve as cost-effective adsorbent materials. These, he noted, can reduce dependence on imported filtration products, stimulate local green-technology manufacturing, and create new economic opportunities.
While noting that further field validation is required before large-scale deployment, Professor Adeniran advocated sustained investment in multidisciplinary research, stronger environmental regulations, and wider adoption of locally developed air-quality technologies.
Professor Adeniran, winner of the 2nd Prof. Ayo Ogunye Research Award, also recommended mandatory disclosure of ingredients in household aerosol products and the pilot deployment of emission-control devices in commercial vehicles to improve environmental health outcomes.
Tribute to Excellence, Mentorship and Legacy
In a goodwill message titled “A Tribute to Excellence, Mentorship and Legacy,” the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, congratulated Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye on his 84th birthday, and described his life as a reflection of scholarship, selfless service, academic excellence, and mentorship.
She commended him for his pioneering role in establishing the University’s Department of Chemical Engineering which laid the foundation for what has become one of Nigeria’s leading centres for chemical engineering education and research.
According to her, Professor Ogunye remained one of the University’s foremost academic icons whose contributions remain deeply woven into the history of engineering education at UNILAG.
Professor Ogunsola added that the Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye Trust Fund, University of Lagos (PAFOTFUL) exemplified professor Ogunye’s enduring commitment to developing future generations of engineers and researchers.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Ibikunle Ogunbayo, congratulated the celebrant, describing his life as “a milestone of dedication, sacrifice, and mentorship.”
Engr. Ogunbayo proposed the publication of the annual lecture presented at the forum. He suggested that the publication be domiciled in the Department of Chemical Engineering as the “UNILAG Declaration on Chemical Engineering,” with executive summaries disseminated through reputable media platforms to broaden its reach and impact.
A Re-Commitment To The PAFOTFUL Ideals
Responding, the celebrant, Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life, to the University of Lagos for decades of support, and to the Board of Trustees of PAFOTFUL for sustaining the vision he established.
He expressed delight at the remarkable growth of the Trust Fund, which has expanded from ₦18 million in 2008 to over ₦282 million, enabling increased support for professorial chairs, research grants, scholarships, academic prizes, and the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.
Professor Ogunye reaffirmed his commitment to the ideals of PAFOTFUL and appealed to stakeholders to continue supporting the Trust Fund in order to sustain its contributions to engineering education, research, and national development.
The event also featured the presentation of appreciation plaques to distinguished supporters of the PAFOTFUL initiative and the ceremonial cutting of the celebrant’s birthday cake.
About Professor Ayo Ogunye
Born July 31, 1942, Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye, D.Sc, FAEng, is widely regarded as a pioneer of chemical engineering education in Nigeria. He established the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Lagos in 1973 as its pioneer academic and became the University’s first Professor of Chemical Engineering in March 1979 at age 36. He served as Head of Department until 1980, during which period he consolidated research activities that saw the department graduate over 30 PhDs.
His career was disrupted in December 1980 when his appointment was terminated. Following a prolonged legal battle that reached the Supreme Court, the judgment was overturned in his favour in June 1986. He returned to UNILAG in July 1987 to the warm reception of the University community.
Professor Ogunye retired in September 1995 and endowed the Department with the Professor Ayo Ogunye Chair of Chemical Engineering, using his gratuity and pension.
His honours include: 2nd Nigerian Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (UK); Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers; Foundation Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers and the Nigerian Academy of Engineering; and Past President of both bodies.
UNILAG also honoured him with a Platinum Award and the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), the first such engineering award in Nigeria.
About PAFOTFUL
The Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye Trust Fund, University of Lagos (PAFOTFUL) was established by Professor Ayo Ogunye in 1990 and its Board of Trustees (BOT) inaugurated in 2008. From the donation of his gratuity and his pension entitlements earned from 1995 till 2025, the Fund has grown from ₦18 million in 2008 to over ₦282,000,000 as at 2026. It supports a professorial chair, research grants (currently ₦3 million each), scholarships, prizes, and an annual grant to the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayo Oloyede
