A lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Yaba College of Technology has secured a N41 million research grant from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund. Engr. Tairu Onawale Toyin's project was selected among 174 research proposals approved under TETFund's 2026 National Research Fund intervention.

The winning project, titled "Smart Waste Management and Cold Chain Logistics: Integrating IoT and Biogas for Efficient Perishable Food Storage," targets improvements in waste management and the preservation of perishable food across Nigeria. Engr. Onawale's work combines Internet of Things technology with renewable biogas systems to create an integrated solution for managing organic waste while strengthening cold chain logistics for storing and preserving perishable agricultural produce.

TETFund, through the Federal Government, approved a total of N7.5 billion in grants to support innovative research across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide. Individual grants ranged from N13.6 million to N49.97 million per project, with funding targeted at practical, technology driven solutions to pressing national development challenges.

Reacting to the award, the Rector of Yabatech, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, described the grant as a major recognition of the institution's growing research capacity. He stated that Engr. Onawale's success reinforces Yabatech's position as a leading polytechnic in applied research, technology development, and industry focused innovation.

Abdul revealed that the achievement marks another milestone in the institution's drive to strengthen research excellence and develop innovations capable of tackling the country's socio economic and environmental challenges. He commended the TETFund initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria's knowledge economy, noting that outcomes from the funded projects are expected to deliver new products and services, boost productivity, generate jobs, and support national economic growth.

The research project is expected to help reduce post harvest losses, strengthen food security, advance environmental sustainability, and support Nigeria's shift towards cleaner energy solutions.

Other Institutions benefiting from the same intervention include Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Kaduna Polytechnic, and several other tertiary institutions nationwide.