A Nigerian professor, Olugbenga Bello, has emerged the winner of the 2019 Nigerian Academy of Science Physical Sciences Award.
Mr Bello is a professor at the department of chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday evening, the chairman of the NAS Science Prize Committee said Mr Bello’s work focused on utilising adsorption technology in extracting different dyes from wastewater.
He said “A Gold Medal Prize was instituted by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) in 2016 to be awarded to deserving Nigerian scientists who have made significant achievements in science of National relevance and global resonance.
“The award is to be made annually, alternating between the Life Sciences and Physical Sciences. The Nigerian Academy of Science made a call for nominations for the 2019 NAS GOLD MEDAL PRIZE for Nigerian Scientists in the Physical Sciences in 2019.
“Entries were received and evaluated by a Jury in the Physical Sciences, chaired by Professor Ibidapo Obe FAS, a Past President of the Nigerian Academy of Science.
“After a due process of evaluation by the Physical sciences jury, the Council of the Nigerian Academy of Science has approved the recommendation of the NAS Science Prize Committee for the award of 2019 NAS GOLD MEDAL PRIZE in the Physical Sciences.
“The NAS Science Prize Committee is pleased to receive the approval of the council of the Nigerian Academy of Science and to announce to the Public the Winner of the 2019 NAS GOLD MEDIAL in the Physical Sciences in the person of PROFESSOR OLUGBENGA BELLO, a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
“Professor Olugbenga Bello’s work is focused on utilising adsorption technology in extracting different dyes from wastewater. This process is claimed to be of a simple design, inexpensive, and multi- functional. Prof. Olugbenga Bello has used the method mentioned above, in extracting traces of Ibuprofen (IBP) (an antiinflammatory drug commonly used in Nigeria) and different dyes from wastewater. His research aims at highlighting the value of utilising agro-waste in purifying dye-stained water from industrial and domesticenvironment.
“Therefore, the research could be regarded to be of great relevance to the environmental degradation situation in Nigeria, due to the increase in the number of industries, who use/discharge/accidentally spill chemicals that could pollute water bodies within local communities.
“I have the pleasure and honour to announce on behalf of the Nigerian Academy of Science the winner of the 2019 NAS Gold Medal Prize for the Physical Sciences – Professor Olugbenga Bello of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Our Congratulations!
“Professor Olugbenga Bello, a Professor of Chemistry at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. He is Postgraduate Coordinator of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, LAUTECH. He has supervised ten (10) Masters and two (2) PhD students to completion. He is the lead or corresponding author in about 90% of his publications. This is an indication of active and consistent leadership roles in research activities. He is currently the managing editor of SCIENCE FOCUS Journal of Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso.
“The 2019 NAS GOLD MEDAL PRIZE in the Physical Sciences Award will be presented by the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Professor Mosto Ohuoha FAS, at a date to be announced later.”
