The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has intensified calls for innovative, research-driven solutions to environmental pollution, as its 116th Inaugural Lecturer, Prof. Babatunde Bada, advocated green technology, waste recycling, tree planting and bioremediation to promote environmental sustainability.
Prof. Bada, of the Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), made the recommendations on October 14th, 2026, while delivering his inaugural lecture titled “Harnessing Green Technology for a Sustainable Future Environment” at the Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building.
The Professor of Environmental Management and Bioremediation explained that although human activities contribute significantly to environmental degradation, scientific research, technological innovation and nature-based interventions could transform environmental challenges into opportunities for restoration and sustainable development.
Identifying vehicular emissions, oil spills, mining, quarrying, indiscriminate waste disposal, poultry operations and cement production as major sources of pollution, Prof. Bada warned that harmful substances, including heavy metals and greenhouse gases, continued to threaten soil, water and air quality.
He called for improved sanitation, responsible waste disposal, reduced industrial emissions and extensive tree planting, identifying mango, white teak and masquerade trees as useful species for carbon absorption and improved air quality.
Emphasising the potential of waste-to-resource technologies, the Inaugural Lecturer challenged the perception of waste as useless material, noting that market refuse, animal dung and agricultural residues could be converted into valuable resources for agriculture, energy generation and industrial production.
He explained that composted organic waste could restore degraded soils, improve fertility and supply essential nutrients for crop growth while reducing dependence on inorganic fertilisers.
Highlighting the role of plant-based remediation in environmental recovery, Prof. Bada identified kenaf as a promising crop for cleaning soils contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals, including cadmium, lead, copper, chromium and zinc.
He disclosed that cattle dung, pig dung and composted market waste had achieved up to 99.99 per cent removal efficiency of total petroleum hydrocarbons from oil-polluted soils, demonstrating the potential of organic materials to support affordable environmental rehabilitation.
The Lecturer also highlighted opportunities for converting agricultural and industrial waste into commercially valuable products. He explained that corn sheaths and pineapple crowns could serve as raw materials for paper production, while recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics could be incorporated into asphalt to improve its properties and provide an alternative use for plastic waste.
He further noted that combining animal waste with palm oil mill effluent in biodigesters could produce biogas for energy generation and nutrient-rich slurry for fertiliser, thereby reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
To strengthen environmental governance, Prof. Bada called on the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), state environmental protection agencies and local governments to intensify enforcement of environmental laws regulating waste disposal, vehicular emissions, industrial effluents and mining operations.
He maintained that industries, transport operators and other waste generators should bear the costs of managing and remediating pollution arising from their activities.
The environmental expert also advocated stronger collaboration among government ministries, universities, industries and host communities to establish green spaces, tree-planting corridors and designated waste collection points in markets, residential estates and along major roads.
He recommended the use of the Cuba 108 variety of kenaf and other suitable varieties to rehabilitate soils contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals. He also urged the Governing Board of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to incorporate effective organic waste-based remediation techniques into its guidelines for oil companies.
As part of measures to protect public health, Prof. Bada recommended a minimum buffer distance of 50 metres between dumpsites, septic tanks and hand-dug wells. He further urged state environmental protection agencies to institutionalise regular groundwater monitoring around municipal dumpsites to minimise the risk of contamination.
Calling for increased investment in environmental innovation, the Inaugural Lecturer urged the Federal and State Governments, non-governmental organisations and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to strengthen support for research, innovation and the commercialisation of green technologies, particularly in bioremediation, waste recycling and climate-smart agriculture.
He encouraged universities to partner with industries, communities and relevant government agencies to translate research findings into practical, scalable solutions capable of creating jobs, protecting public health and preserving the environment for future generations.
Earlier, in his introductory remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, emphasised the importance of research and innovation in addressing environmental challenges. He commended Prof. Bada for his expertise in environmental management and contributions to enhancing the University’s visibility and reputation locally and internationally.
The event was attended by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, HRM Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV, Asoludero, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land; members of the University’s Governing Council; the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya; and other dignitaries from within and outside the University.
