Distinguished Professor of Medical Microbiology and Public Health at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Festus Olajubu, will deliver the institution’s 54th inaugural lecture on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The lecture, entitled “The Unwinnable War Against Antimicrobial Resistance: Nature to the Rescue”, will be held at the University Multipurpose Hall. The event will commence at 2:00 PM, with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 PM.

The Chairman of Ceremonies and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, confirmed in a statement that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will preside over the occasion.

Prof. Olajubu’s academic journey began in 1987 when he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye (now Olabisi Onabanjo University). He earned a Master of Science degree in Medical Microbiology from the same institution in 2000. In 2010, he completed his PhD in Medical Microbiology and Public Health at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

He joined the staff of Adekunle Ajasin University in 2011 as a Lecturer I in the Department of Microbiology, rising steadily through the ranks to become a professor in 2020.

Prof. Olajubu has served the university in several capacities, including as Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Acting Head of the Microbiology Department, Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Science, Chairman of the Faculty of Science Quality Assurance Committee, Acting Director of the Industrial Training Unit, and Acting Director of Research and Development.

An accomplished scholar, Prof. Olajubu has contributed to two published books and authored 50 research articles. He has also attended and presented papers at numerous local and international conferences in countries such as Canada, France, Germany, India, Malaysia, and the United States.

He is a member of several professional bodies, including the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), the Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM), the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), the Nigerian Society for Microbial Ecology (NSME), the Nigerian Biological Safety Association (NiBSA), and the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID).

Beyond membership, Prof. Olajubu is a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (FWAPCMLS) and the Nigerian Society of Microbial Ecology (NSME), an International Federation of Biological Associations Certified Professional (IFBA-CP), and an appointed Mentor under the American Society for Microbiology Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF).

Outside the university, Prof. Olajubu also serves as the Coordinator for the South West wing of the Nigerian Biological Safety Association (NiBSA), a reviewer for numerous local and international journals, and an external assessor for several Nigerian universities.

In recognition of his scholarly achievements, he has received numerous awards and grants. These include a National Award of Excellence from NAMS (2019), a TETFUND Institution Based Research Grant (2015), a Europa Organization Africa Pty Ltd Travel Scholarship (2016), a Travel Grant from Keystone Symposia (2017), and a Travel Grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (2018).

…says institution admits only best candidates

* As university matriculates 8,000 for 2025/2026 session

New students at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), have been charged to adhere strictly to university rules, maintain discipline, and prepare for rigorous academic work.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, gave the charge during his address at the Matriculation Ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

In his address, Prof. Ige stated that the matriculation formally inducted the 8,000 new students into the institution, marking the beginning of their journey to achieve their aspirations. He noted that they were the most qualified candidates selected from over 18,000 applicants, a process which reflected the University’s unwavering commitment to merit.

“This University does not lower its standards to fill its halls; it raises individuals to meet its standards,” he declared.

The Vice Chancellor was unequivocal on conduct, declaring a zero-tolerance policy towards social vices. “This University has zero tolerance for all forms of social vices, including but not limited to examination misconduct, indecent dressing, cult activities, rape, and robbery. Any student caught engaging in any such vices will be summarily expelled.”

He cautioned that the privilege of admission carried significant responsibility, framing the University’s mission on an “unshakable tripod: Academic Excellence, Moral Uprightness, and Service to Humanity.”

“Shun intellectual laziness and the corrosive plague of examination malpractice,” Prof. Ige urged. “Your greatest asset here is your integrity. On moral uprightness; we expect, and will enforce, decent dressing, respect for all, and zero tolerance for social vices… You are now ambassadors of your families and of this University.”

He further encouraged students to use their knowledge as a tool for lifting others and solving societal problems.

Acknowledging the pressures of academic life, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the robust support structures in place, including academic advisers and the Counselling and Human Development Centre. “Do not struggle in silence. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” he assured them.

Concluding, he charged the students: “See this Matriculation not as an end, but as a glorious beginning… The world is waiting for the unique contribution that only you – forged in the crucible of AAUA – can provide.”

Earlier, the Registrar, Mr. Olugbenga Arajulu, administered the Matriculation Oath, with the students pledging to abide by the University’s regulations and uphold its image.

The ceremony was attended by the University’s Principal Officers, staff, members of the community, and the students’ parents and well-wishers.

The Registrar of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Mr. Olugbenga Arajulu, has been honoured for his professional excellence, winning the ‘Akoni Oodua Heritage Education Merit Award 2025’.

The award, presented by the Oodua Edu-Essence Magazine, recognises him as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding leadership personalities in education for the year. 

The ceremony was held on Thursday, 15 January 2026, at the Enuwa (Ile Oodua) Palace of the Ooni of Ife, under the theme: ‘Searching through the Role of Indigenous Knowledge in the Educational Development of Nigeria’.

The event was hosted by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. Other dignitaries included the Chairman of the PCRC in Ondo State, Chief Gabriel Ariyo, as Father of the Day; the Olori of Ikare Akoko, Folasade Momoh, as Mother of the Day; and Prof. Adeola Falaiye of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, as Guest Speaker.

The award was formally presented to Arajulu in his office on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. During the presentation, the coordinator, Asiwaju Temidayo Ayodele, stated that the Registrar was chosen for his “diligence, dedication to duty, exemplary leadership abilities, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” adding that he had brought “a touch of excellence, honour, and integrity” to his role.

In his acceptance remarks, Arajulu thanked the organisers for the honour, stating it would motivate him to maintain the highest professional standards as the university’s Chief Administrative Officer.

This award follows the recent recognition of the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Olugbenga Ige, who was named among Nigeria’s Best Performing Vice Chancellors by the internationally recognised TELL newsmagazine.

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, has announced the selection of its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, among the 20 Best Performing Vice-Chancellors in Nigeria by TELL Communications Limited, publishers of TELL Magazine.

The recognition, which appeared in a special edition of the magazine themed “Integrity in Leadership: 20 Best Performing Vice Chancellors in Nigeria” and published between December 29, 2025, and January 5, 2026, highlights exemplary leadership within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

In a statement signed by Victor A. Akinpelumi, Deputy Registrar, Information, Protocols and Public Relations, and Head, Radio AAUA 90.3FM, the university described the honour as a reflection of Prof. Ige’s visionary leadership, commitment to academic excellence and the positive transformation recorded at the institution since he assumed office.

According to the statement, TELL Magazine noted that the selection celebrates vice-chancellors who demonstrate exceptional leadership in the day-to-day administration and strategic direction of their institutions.

 Prof. Ige’s inclusion, it added, underscores his integrity, innovative governance style and dedication to advancing Adekunle Ajasin University’s mission at national and global levels.

The statement further said the entire university community, staff, students, alumni and stakeholders, has congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on the national recognition, describing it as both a personal achievement and a testament to the collective progress and positive academic culture fostered under his leadership.

Prof. Ige has received several other honours for his contributions to education, research and public service. He was named Ondo State Pillar of Education by Hero Magazine in 2020 and recognised as a Role Model in Ondo State by Sunshine Standard Magazine in 2021.

He has also been honoured with awards from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Yoruba Parapo Youths Movement, among others. His scholarly achievements earned him an Award of Excellence as the Most Outstanding Science Professor in Nigeria, while his humanitarian efforts have been recognised by the National Association of Students with Special Needs.

Most recently, Prof. Ige received the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity from the Southern Youth Forum.

The university has urged its community to share in the pride of the achievement and to continue supporting the vision that has earned its Vice-Chancellor national acclaim.

Ondo PBAT Mandate Elders Forum has congratulated Mrs. Yinka Tunji-Ojo, revered matriarch and mother of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on the occasion of her birthday.

In a congratulatory message, the Forum described Mrs. Yinka Tunji-Ojo as a woman of grace, strength and exemplary virtues, whose life of discipline, sacrifice and nurturing has clearly reflected in the outstanding leadership qualities and sterling performance of her son in national service.

According to the Elders, the values of integrity, compassion, resilience and commitment to humanity which Mrs. Tunji-Ojo instilled are evident in the people-oriented leadership style of the Honourable Minister, particularly his consistent support for elders, the vulnerable and the broader Nigerian society.

The Forum noted that mothers occupy a sacred place in nation-building, stressing that Mrs. Yinka Tunji-Ojo’s contributions transcend family boundaries and extend to the positive impact her upbringing continues to have on Ondo State and Nigeria at large.

“As elders, we celebrate Mama on this special day and pray that Almighty God grants her long life in good health, abundant joy and continued fulfilment. May she live to witness greater achievements, honour and success in the lives of her children and generations yet unborn,” the statement read.

The Forum further wished Mrs. Yinka Tunji-Ojo a peaceful, memorable and fulfilling birthday celebration, while reaffirming its respect and admiration for her invaluable role as a mother and pillar of support.

The statement was signed by Chief Erastus Akeju, Chairman; Hon. Ebenezer Alabi, Secretary; and Hon. Demola Ijabiyi, Facilitator of the Ondo PBAT Mandate Elders Forum.

 …calls for National Policy on AI, Research Collaborations Focused on National Priorities

A university don, Prof. Sunday Olatunji, has argued that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be made a compulsory course for all students in higher institutions across Nigeria, irrespective of their field of study. He also called on Nigeria and Africa to build an intelligent, inclusive and technologically sovereign future to elevate human potential through artificial intelligence.

To achieve these goals, the Professor of Artificial Intelligence urged the nation and continent to: institutionalise capacity building for AI excellence; develop functional policy and ethical frameworks for responsible AI; build artificial intelligence literacy and workforce development; make AI a general course in all higher institutions; promote no-code AI and machine learning pathways for beginners; develop public-private-academic partnerships; and build inclusive and culturally grounded AI.

Prof. Olatunji, who is ranked by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as the Best AI Researcher in Nigeria (2025), made these statements on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, while delivering the 53rd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, held at the University Multipurpose Hall. The lecture was titled, Symbiosis of Mind and Machine: Harnessing AI for National Development.

He stressed that artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction but a reality that permeates every stratum of human life. Just as Computer Appreciation became a national requirement decades ago, the time has come for AI Appreciation as a compulsory General Studies (GST) course. 

This course should introduce all students, regardless of discipline, to aspects of AI including: AI fundamentals, machine learning concepts, applications of AI in their respective fields, ethical implications of AI, and its role in national development, among others, he said.

The lecturer called on governments to establish AI innovation hubs in all tertiary institutions and research centres; promote cross-disciplinary collaboration integrating computing; provide national research grants focused on AI solutions for local challenges; and recruit and train faculty specialised in AI, machine learning, data science, robotics, and computational intelligence.

Prof. Olatunji allayed fears that AI could replace humans or end humanity, positing that, Many fear that the rise of artificial intelligence signals the decline of human relevance – that the machine might replace the mind. But history teaches otherwise. Every technological revolution  –  from the printing press to electricity, from the internet to AI  has not diminished humanity but rather redefined it. 

Today, AI diagnoses diseases, predicts the weather, translates languages, and protects nations. It writes, learns, reasons, and sometimes surprises us with creativity we did not expect. Yet, its true power does not lie in replacing human intelligence but in amplifying it  extending what our minds can imagine, decide, and accomplish.

AI in governance and in the workplace is not about replacing human leaders but augmenting institutional intelligence. It offers tools to reduce corruption through transparency, to improve welfare delivery through predictive targeting, and to enhance policy design through data-driven insight.

He added, The true measure of progress is not how much work we transfer to machines, but how much meaning we preserve in what remains uniquely human: judgement, ethics, empathy, creativity, and purpose. AI is defining our time. We must move from anxiety to agency  no longer fearing AIs rise but learning to guide it  and move from spectatorship to symbiosis by no longer watching innovations happen elsewhere but co-creating them as partners in progress.

He also stated, To ensure safe, equitable, and culturally aligned AI deployment, there is a need to develop a comprehensive national AI policy and strategy, establish national and institutional AI ethics committees, create policies for AI accountability, transparency, data protection, and fairness, and align governance with global best practices while respecting African values and contexts.

The multi-award-winning researcher, who is also the Dean of Computing at AAUA, further stated that it is possible to develop AI in Nigerias local languages to reflect national identity and promote equitable development. 

He added that we should prioritise rural empowerment and digital inclusion, prevent algorithmic bias, regional inequality, and the exclusion of minority groups, and ensure that AI systems respect cultural values, social norms, and indigenous knowledge systems.

Prof. Olatunji, who has had extensive teaching and research stints in several countries including Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Nigeria, stressed the need to strengthen collaborations among universities, industry, government, ICT parastatals, and international bodies. 

He added that there should be promotion of industry-funded AI research aligned with national priorities, support for AI start-ups and incubators, and facilitation of commercialisation pathways for academic research outcomes, to accelerate innovation and ensure real-world impact.

Speaking further, he said, To position Nigeria and Africa as global contributors rather than perpetual consumers, we must develop indigenous AI technologies tailored to local datasets and realities; establish national data repositories, open-source platforms, and sovereign cloud infrastructure. We must also create incentives for patents, start-ups, AI products, and intellectual property from African innovators; as well as foster continental collaborations under the AU, ECOWAS, and African AI consortia.

Introducing the lecturer, the Chairman of the event and Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Professor Olugbenga Ige, said the institution is proud to have an academic of Prof. Olatunjis standing on its staff. He described the lecturer as a widely acclaimed researcher who is much sought after across the globe.

He listed the many awards and accolades Prof. Olatunji has garnered from far and wide and commended his role in setting up the Faculty of Computing and for doing a yeomans job as its founding Dean. 

The Vice Chancellor also noted that Prof. Olatunji is a well-respected and accomplished academic and researcher who has carved an enviable niche for himself in the digital world of computing and artificial intelligence.

All is now set for Professor  Sunday Olusanya Olatunji (Aadam), a renowned scholar in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, to deliver the institution’s 53rd inaugural lecture.

The lecture, titled “Symbiosis of Mind and Machine: Harnessing AI for National Development,” will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the University Multipurpose Hall. The event is scheduled to commence at 2 pm, with guests expected to be seated by 1.30 pm.

Prof.  Olatunji of the Department of Computing will deliver the lecture under the chairmanship of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola. The Vice Chancellor, Prof.  Olugbenga Ige, will preside.

A distinguished academic and researcher who has carved an enviable niche in computing and artificial intelligence, Prof. Olatunji began his academic journey in 1998 with a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the former Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti. He obtained an M.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Ibadan in 2002, a second master’s in Information and Computer Science from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, in 2008, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 2012.

He commenced his academic career as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Computer Science at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in 2001. Rising through the ranks after a distinguished scholarly career abroad, he was appointed to a professorship in 2024.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Prof.  Olatunji has held several key administrative positions, including serving as the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Computing. His expertise spans a wide range of digital fields: artificial intelligence and its applications, machine learning, data mining, forensic science and biometrics, bioinformatics and computational biology, pattern recognition, expert systems, hybrid intelligent systems, software engineering, and data science and analytics.

He is a member of numerous professional bodies, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the International Association of Engineers (IAENG).

Prof. Olatunji’s prolific research output includes 5 authored books and 107 journal papers. He has presented papers at conferences across the globe, including in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Egypt, Malaysia, Cyprus, Japan, and China. He also serves as an Academic Editor for the International Journal of Intelligent Information Processing (IJIIP) and an Associate Editor for journals such as the International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE).

His scholarly excellence has been recognised with 43 awards and honours. Notably, he was ranked as Nigeria’s No. 1 Artificial Intelligence Researcher in 2025 by the Nigeria University Commission (NUC) and has been consistently listed among the Top 2% of World Scientists by Elsevier and Stanford University for five consecutive years (2021–2025).

He is also a multiple recipient of Research Excellence Awards from the College of Computer Science and Information Technology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, for highest citations and top-tier publications.

…describes New Year Eve incident as barbaric, urges security agencies to remain resolute

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry in Ondo State, High Chief Olayato Aribo, has condemned the attack on the Ipele town in Owo Local Government area of the state.

In a statement personally signed and released to newsmen from his country home, Imoru in Ose Local Government area, High Chief Aribo, popularly known as Oyato, decried the incident which occurred on New Year Eve by yet to be identified gunmen but led to the destruction of the Divisional Police Station in the town.

He said though the perpetrators of the heinous attack may not have been  identified, assured that the swift response of the State Government would pay off soonest.

While commiserating with officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, High Chief Aribo enjoined them to remain undaunted as residents of Ipele and Ondo State at large are in solidarity with all security agencies in the state.

“I use this medium to register my deep commiseration with the good people of Ipele in Owo Kingdom and the Nigeria Police Force over the attack on the Divisional Police Station by yet to be  unknown gunmen.

” I also salute our security agents for their prompt responses to salvage the situation”, he said.

The former commissioner used the opportunity to pray for the safety and better life for citizens of the state in the new year.

•••donates to Children’s’ Home, widows

Members of the Liberal Platform on Saturday mobilised across the streets of Akure, the capital of Ondo State, to highlight the importance of environmental cleanliness and proper sanitation as part of their end-of-year outreach initiative.

The exercise, spearheaded by the President of the Liberal Platform, Hon. Demola Ijabiyi, spanned from Akure City Hall to Texaco along Oba Adesida Road, where members swept streets, removed refuse, and cleared dirt from public spaces.

Speaking during the exercise, Hon. Ijabiyi said the initiative aimed to lead by example and change public attitudes towards waste management.

 “This is one of the activities of our end-of-year programme. We came out to demonstrate to residents the importance of environmental cleanliness and sanitation,” he said.

According to him, the presence of prominent individuals participating in street cleaning was deliberate. 

“When people see individuals like us sweeping, they will imbibe such acts. Many people were watching us and must have been surprised. If people like us can sweep, then others will have no excuse,” Ijabiyi stated.

He described Nigerians’ attitude to waste management as poor. “It’s terrible. We are not conscious of cleanliness. Look at traders selling their wares in the middle of filth. There is no reason for refuse to be everywhere if we are truly conscious of sanitation,” he said.

Ijabiyi added that the exercise was also a message to the government.

 “Government has a lot to do. Our people generate a lot of refuse, and coverage is not enough. Places should already be clean. This is about our health,” he stressed.

The Chairman of the Liberal Platform Governing Board, Omosua Olufemi-Mayor, said the sanitation exercise reflected the platform’s belief in service and responsibility. 

“As conceived by our life president, this idea is about togetherness and rendering service. Hillary Clinton once said that service is the rent we pay for living, and this is one of such services,” he said.

He noted that the action was meant to inspire citizens regardless of status. “No matter how highly placed you are, commissioners, governors or other leaders, you still have a responsibility to take care of your environment,” he added.

Speaking on donations to Ondo State Children’s Home, Oba-Ile, Akure, and to some widows, the Chairman of the 2025 Planning Committee for the Liberal Platform End-of-Year Outreach, Olumide Abudu, a seasoned journalist, said the sanitation exercise was part of a broader humanitarian programme. 

“After this, we are going to the motherless babies’ home at Oba-Ile to donate. This has been our tradition. Liberal Platform is known for charity and reaching out to the needy,” Abudu said.

He disclosed that items donated included bags of rice, cartons of Indomie noodles, yams, beverages, and cash support. 

In addition, four widows were also reached out to, with each receiving ₦25,000, an intervention sponsored by a member of the platform, Mr. Zadok Akintoye. 

“This is part of our commitment to lifting people and correcting imbalances in society,” he added.

The Chairman of the Ondo State Waste Management Board, Mrs. Yinka Alabi, who is also a member of the Liberal Platform, praised the initiative and called for more partnerships. “Government cannot do it alone. We have been yearning for collaboration, and we are very proud of what the Liberal Platform has done,” she said.

She urged residents to emulate the group, saying, “Health is wealth. People should prioritise cleanliness and ensure their environment is sustained and beautiful.” On public attitude towards waste disposal, she added that sensitisation efforts would continue.

 “We keep reaching out to people, especially on improper and indiscriminate dumping. We believe that over time, people will change for the better,” she said.

The group later moved to the Ondo State Children’s Home, Oba-Ile, Akure, where it donated food items such as bags of rice, cartons of Indomie noodles, tubers of yam, beverages, and cash support.

Mrs. Aboluwodi Bamiyo, who received the gift items on behalf of the management of the Children’s’ Home, appreciated the group for identifying with, and remembering the children’s home during this season, while praying for God’s blessings for members of the group.

Other members of the group in attendance included, Tunde Bibi Aladenola, Admin General; Basorun Kunle Ogunmola; Evangelist Funmi Omole, Treasurer; Jayeoba Olawale Clement (JOC Brands); Prince Shina Adeshina; and Kehinde Segun Alabi, Secretary.

A Professor of Industrial Chemistry at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Adeleke Ashogbon, has said modified starches play a significant role in the treatment and control of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and cancer, among other health benefits.

Ashogbon explained that resistant starches in modified forms undergo structural changes that make them indigestible by enzymes in the small intestine, after which they are broken down in the large intestine into short-chain fatty acids beneficial to human health.

The professor made the submission on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, while delivering the 52nd inaugural lecture of the university, titled “From Root to Revolution: The Chemistry and Innovation of Modified Starches.”

He advised the public to consume starchy foods cold, noting that hot starchy foods contain lower amounts of beneficial resistant starch. According to him, cooled starchy foods, even when reheated, retain most of the retrograded starch needed for health benefits.

Ashogbon also spoke on the dietary and industrial relevance of starch, explaining that modified starches are produced by altering the chemical structure of native starches sourced from legumes, cereals, roots, tubers and unripe fruits. He noted that these modifications increase resistant starch content and improve functional properties, making them suitable for food and industrial uses.

“Modified starches are natural starches – from wheat and potato, for example – altered by physical, chemical or enzymatic processes to enhance specific properties such as texture, stability, viscosity and resistance to heat or acid. This enables their use as versatile food additives – thickeners, stabilisers, emulsifiers – and in industrial, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications,” he said.

The professor added that although native starches are affordable, non-toxic and easily modified, they lack essential properties required for direct application in many sectors. He noted that they also contain insufficient resistant starch to deliver meaningful health benefits, making modification necessary.

On other applications, he said, “Applications of modified starches depend on many factors, including their botanical source and the specific processing conditions. Single-modified starches are used in the food industry for thickening, gelling, stabilisation, fat replacement and pre-gelatinised instant products.

“Dual chemically modified starches are widely used as emulsifiers, binders and thickeners in food, and as heavy metal absorbents in non-food industries.

“Quadruple modified starches are used in synthesising resistant starches for preventing obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, they are utilised in preparing porous starches applied as organic adsorbents in water purification and heavy metal removal.”

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, said the institution’s inaugural lecture series provides a platform for scholars to present definitive intellectual contributions to societal development.

He commended Ashogbon for his commitment to innovative research and service, describing his work as central to the university’s vision of academic excellence and societal relevance.