A University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo State, student has won an international innovation award in London for developing a technology that uses discarded cocoa pod husks to treat polluted water.
Oluwatayo Ayodele Michael, a student in the university’s Department of Physiotherapy, received the NBTI NextGen Innovator Award for his innovation, UniThread EcoHusk, at an international showcase held at ExCeL London, United Kingdom.
The technology converts cocoa pod husks, an agricultural waste product, into biochar-based filtration materials designed to remove harmful pollutants from textile wastewater before it enters rivers and other water bodies.
The university said the innovation offered a sustainable approach to water treatment by turning locally available waste into a useful environmental resource. It added that cleaner water could help reduce exposure to pollution-related health risks.
Reacting to the achievement, UNIMED Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, described the award as a source of pride for the institution and a demonstration of the capacity of young Nigerians to develop solutions to pressing challenges.
“We are immensely proud of Oluwatayo Ayodele Michael for this outstanding achievement,” she said, adding that the recognition showed that Nigerian youths could develop solutions capable of addressing critical problems.
Adejuyigbe said the innovation was particularly commendable because it applied locally available materials to environmental sustainability.
“By converting discarded cocoa pod husks into useful filtration materials, Michael has demonstrated how locally available resources can be transformed into solutions that promote cleaner water, healthier communities, and a more sustainable environment,” she said.
The vice-chancellor urged students and young researchers to embrace interdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurship and research-driven innovation, noting that universities had a responsibility to translate knowledge into practical solutions for society.
According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Isaac Oluyi, the London showcase attracted innovators, policymakers, investors, industry representatives and government officials.
Those present included the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, and the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Segun Aina, as well as representatives of the Commonwealth Investment Network and the British High Commission.
Adejuyigbe reaffirmed the university’s commitment to research and innovation aimed at tackling environmental and public health challenges.
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