Meet The Ambassadors
THE COMMUNITI GOVERNORS
Christian Akpan
CEO, Geekie I-Solutions Limited | Technology Innovation Leader
Christian Akpan drives digital transformation across Nigeria through innovative technology solutions. His CareerAid AI platform was featured at the TETFUND Innovation Exhibition through Innov8's TETFAIR program. With multiple FOYA Award nominations and global tech certifications, he bridges advanced technology with local Nigerian needs.
Engr. Patrick Ogbonna Nwosibe
Senior Lecturer, Chemical Engineering | Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers
Engr. Patrick Nwosibe pioneers sustainable innovation in chemical engineering. He invented Nigeria's first non-toxic, biorefillable ink and developed advanced zeolite catalysts for oil refining through the TETFAIR program by TETFUND, powered by Innov8 Hub. His renewable energy research advances Nigeria's transition toward sustainable industrial practices.
Program Ambassadors
Dr. Rashidat Abdulazeez
Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Edinburgh | Lecturer, Ahmadu Bello University
Dr. Rashidat Abdulazeez bridges cutting-edge molecular biology research with community impact. Her expertise spans Drosophila disease models, ecotoxicology, and population genetics. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the SGCI Grant from Innov8 Hub’s Research4Impact, NIF Postdoctoral Fellowship, and TWAS-DFG Cooperation Award, she transforms complex scientific knowledge into actionable community solutions.
Dr. Zainab M. Bello
Lecturer & Researcher, Department of Human Anatomy, Ahmadu Bello University
Dr. Zainab M. Bello specializes in neuroscience and anti-aging research using anatomical and neurological approaches. As an active member of The Community by Innov8 through Transformative Innovation Workshop, Neuroscience Society of Nigeria, and IBRO grant recipient, she transforms complex research into accessible community wellness knowledge, focusing on human health and longevity factors.
Tairu Onawale Oluwatoyin
Chief Lecturer, Mechatronics Engineering, Yaba College of Technology
Engr. Tairu Oluwatoyin brings 25+ years of mechatronics engineering expertise in robotics, automation, and engineering education. His innovations include low-cost roof sheet molding machines and advanced gas analyzers. Through participation in Research for Impact powered by Innov8 Hub, sponsored by TETFUND, he bridges theoretical knowledge with practical engineering solutions.
Dr. Adebimpe Omolayo Esan
Director of Entrepreneurship | Associate Professor, Computer Engineering, Federal University Oye-Ekiti
Dr. Adebimpe Esan leads computer engineering and entrepreneurship education initiatives. Her expertise in AI, machine learning, and computer vision earned recognition as one of Research for Impact's brightest minds. As Director of Entrepreneurship, she spearheads innovation programs including the Vice-Chancellor Innovation Challenge and digital skills acquisition initiatives.
Prof. Adedosu Taofik Adewale
Professor & Director, Centre for Academic Linkages | LAUTECH Ogbomoso
Prof. Taofik Adedosu specializes in environmental and petroleum geochemistry with a focus on sustainable energy solutions. His work on organic pollutants and biogas generation advances renewable energy research. As an R4I Fellow (an initiative of TETFUND implemented by Innov8 Hub) and FCSN Fellow, he translates academic research into practical energy and agricultural solutions.
Prof. Morakinyo Tunde Afolabi
Professor & Head of Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
Prof. Morakinyo Afolabi combines 33 years of industrial experience with academic excellence in food engineering. He holds multiple patents, including synchronized oil palm mills and multi-purpose vertical boilers. His participation in the i-Fair Israel-Nigeria program (an initiative of the Israeli Embassy in Nigeria, implemented by Innov8 Hub) demonstrates his commitment to innovation and international collaboration.
Prof. Onyeka Uloma Eucharia
Professor of Food Processing | CEO, Food Security Initiatives
Prof. Uloma Onyeka leads food processing innovation with 25 years of experience in preventing post-harvest losses, including Harvest-Guard from TETFAIR. She transforms traditional food processing into scalable enterprises through NGO initiatives and women's cooperative training programs. Her work with the Women Leadership Institute advances food technology entrepreneurship and security.
Dr. John Iheanyi Ukagwu
Senior Lecturer, Agricultural Science | Innovation Fellow
Dr. John Ukagwu specializes in agricultural innovation for livestock and fisheries development. Through the TETFUND and Innov8 Hub-sponsored TETFAIR program, he invented an automated solar micro milling machine for livestock feed production. As a TETFAIR Fellow and certified FAO resource person, he advances sustainable agricultural development and technology transfer.
Prof. Chukwunenye Okoronkwo
Professor & Head of Mechatronics Engineering | Federal University of Technology Owerri
Prof. Chukwunenye Okoronkwo specializes in renewable energy systems and energy policy development. His 23 years of expertise in solar and biomass technologies led to participation in the TETFAIR program. His research bridges engineering innovation with national energy strategy, directly informing Nigeria's renewable energy policies and implementation.
Engr. Dr. John Audu
Senior Lecturer, Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering | Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University
Engr. Dr. John Audu pioneers agricultural technology through AI and IoT integration. His innovations include smart grain silos, robotic sorting machines, and automated grading systems. With multiple TETFUND research grants and Research for Impact participation, he transforms traditional farming through smart technology solutions for Nigeria's agri-tech advancement.
Prof. Nafisat Afolake Adedokun-Shittu
Professor & Coordinator, EduTech Centre | University of Ilorin
Prof. Nafisat Adedokun-Shittu created the GLOCALISE initiative, revolutionizing education through locally relevant technology solutions. Her eco-friendly GLOCALISE Projector and climate action curriculum gained international recognition from UNESCO and Nigeria's Ministry of Education. She champions African-centered educational innovation through the principle of "teaching content in local context.