My first supervisor, Prof. Wesley Okiei, encouraged me to explore my passion for cassava. So, my research focused on cassava’s deterioration mechanisms and developing electrochemical sensors and biomaterials to slow down spoilage.
My goal was not just academic but to create practical solutions for farmers and improve food security. I am also very grateful to my second supervisor, Dr Isaac Adebayo Akinbulu, for his guidance.
What university did you graduate from?
I graduated this year January 2025 from the University of Lagos; it was the 2023/2024 session.
Did you also earn your first degree there?
Yes, I did.
At what point in your academic journey did you decide to pursue a PhD, and what motivated that decision?
Being retained as a Graduate Assistant naturally led me to consider a PhD. I vividly recall an event at the main auditorium where the current Vice-Chancellor (she was the Deputy Vice Chancellor at the time), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, was speaking. Seeing her made academia look prestigious, and at that moment, I decided to take the job.
As I progressed, I also realised that a PhD would equip me with the tools to contribute meaningfully to society. The motivation to solve real-world challenges in agriculture and food security also strengthened my resolve.
What experiences, mentors, or events played a significant role in shaping your academic path?
Receiving my first scholarship from former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, motivated me to excel academically as an undergraduate student. My days of studying hard paid off, as it culminated in me becoming a Graduate Assistant. This earned me several academic mentors such as senior colleagues and professors in the Department, including the first female Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Olayinka Taiwo Asekun, Prof. Oluwole Familoni, Prof. Kehinde Olayinka, Prof. Luqman Adams and my Head of Department, Professor Olusegun Ayejuyo (to mention just a few), who gave me valuable guidance. My PhD supervisors, Professor Wesley Okiei and Dr. Isaac Adebayo Akinbulu also equipped me with intellectual freedom that allowed me to think innovatively.
Thankfully, the School of Post-Graduate Studies, Unilag is doing an amazing job in fostering a progressive environment to thrive, under the leadership of the Dean, Prof. Abraham A. Osinubi and the Sub-Dean, Dr. Adegboyega B. Ehinmowo.
All these, I believe contributed to my academic success.
What was the focus of your PhD research, and what problem were you trying to solve?
My PhD research focused on extending cassava’s shelf life to enhance its value addition and effective utilisation. Specifically, I aimed to determine and eliminate the causative agents responsible for cassava deterioration and develop strategies to mitigate spoilage which leads to significant food losses and economic setbacks for local farmers.
