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By Abubakar Umar
A staff member of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, and TETFund scholar, Maryam Masud Oniye, has been honoured with the Global Green Innovator Ambassador Award at the Global UN Sustainable Economic Summit in New Delhi, India.
The award, presented by LA Global Foundation, a registered non-governmental organisation committed to supporting the United Nations’ sustainable development mission and promoting green innovation, recognises Oniye’s groundbreaking research titled “Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Solid Waste Compost and Its Impact on Soil and the Environment.”
Speaking via telephone, Oniye, who is a Laboratory Technologist at the IJMB Centre of the Polytechnic, said her study aims to reshape societal perception of solid waste—often seen as a burden—by demonstrating its vast potential as a valuable resource.
She explained that her findings show that properly processed solid waste can be transformed into compost that restores soil health, boosts agricultural productivity, and enhances environmental sustainability.
Oniye noted that the implications of the research cut across multiple sectors, aligning with circular-economy principles that promote waste reduction and resource efficiency. According to her, adopting effective waste-to-resource strategies will reduce pressure on landfills and support global climate-action efforts.
She stated that her innovative approach directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Reacting to the news, the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, praised the achievement, describing Oniye’s work as a major contribution to Nigeria’s agricultural development and global environmental sustainability.
He commended her for being a worthy ambassador of the Polytechnic and Kwara State.
The Rector said the recognition is not only a personal milestone but also an inspiration to future researchers and policymakers to invest in sustainable innovations that protect the planet and improve community well-being.
He added that the award underscores the critical role of research and development in tackling environmental challenges and driving meaningful change.
Engr Abdul Jimoh also commended TETFund for supporting the research and encouraged other beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunities provided to advance knowledge through impactful, solution-driven studies.
Editing: Abdullah Ahmed
