Fellow Honored Top Ph.D. Thesis Awards for Research on Food Security at University of Lagos, Nigeria Convocation
Fellow Adetoun Akitoye, Ph.D. (Nigeria, 2022) earned the Overall Best Ph.D. Thesis Award and Best Ph.D. Thesis in Science Award this January at the University of Lagos, Nigeria (UNILAG) convocation, where she delivered a valedictorian speech. Recognized for her groundbreaking research in industrial chemistry, Adetoun’s work focuses on reducing post-harvest losses in cassava, a critical crop for food security in Nigeria.
Her award-winning thesis, which she discussed in a recent interview, explores methods to inhibit excess reactive oxygen species production, extending the shelf life of cassava and mitigating food waste.
“This remarkable achievement is, in many ways, a testament to the inspiration I received from TechWomen,” she shared. “The fellowship provided the necessary exposure that empowered me to break barriers, think innovatively and approach challenges differently.”
Beyond academia, Adetoun is committed to mentoring young women in STEM and leading initiatives to create scalable agricultural solutions. Through her foundation, Mademoiselle, she is working to bridge research and real-world applications, collaborating with policymakers, NGOs and private sectors to implement strategies that benefit smallholder farmers and reduce food waste.
