By DAYO ADESULU
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Director of the Centre for Research Support and Grants Management at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Funmilayo Doherty, has received the 2026 Fellow Award of the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (SETPOM) in recognition of her contributions to environmental sustainability, skills development and sustainable livelihoods.
The society conferred the prestigious fellowship on Doherty, designating her a Fellow of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (FEnv), during its three-day international conference held at the University of Lagos on October 27, 2026.
The recognition highlights the growing importance of research, environmental protection and practical skills development in addressing environmental challenges and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Doherty expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing environmental sustainability, strengthening skills development and expanding opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
SETPOM Conference Highlights Role of Artificial Intelligence in Environmental Protection
The fellowship presentation formed part of discussions at the SETPOM international conference, which focused on the theme, “Driving Environmental Security, Innovation, and Resilience through AI, Research, Industry, and Regulation for Global Livelihoods.”
The conference brought together stakeholders from academia, industry and other sectors to examine emerging environmental challenges and explore innovative approaches to pollution control and ecosystem protection.
Speaking at the event, SETPOM President, Dr Idowu Aneyo, called on Nigeria to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into environmental management.
Aneyo, a lecturer in the Department of Zoology at the University of Lagos, explained that AI-powered technologies could improve pollution monitoring, protect biodiversity and strengthen ecosystem resilience.
According to her, these technologies can analyse large volumes of environmental data, identify pollution patterns and predict potential ecological disruptions before they occur.
Consequently, environmental authorities could use such information to respond more quickly to emerging threats, minimise damage to fragile ecosystems and make better-informed decisions.
However, Aneyo stressed that technological innovation alone would not guarantee effective environmental protection.
She maintained that appropriate regulations, government enforcement and public cooperation must complement the adoption of AI-driven environmental management systems.
She also acknowledged efforts by the Lagos State Government to enforce environmental regulations, while emphasising that individual responsibility and public acceptance of sustainable practices remain essential.
Climate Change Poses Growing Threat to Lagos
Environmental activist and Chairman of the Lekki State Urban Forest and Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI), Dr Desmond Majekodunmi, warned that rising sea levels and climate change could threaten parts of Lagos by 2050 without urgent intervention.
He identified greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss as major contributors to environmental degradation.
According to Majekodunmi, these factors could worsen flooding, coastal erosion and extreme weather events, placing additional pressure on communities and natural ecosystems.
He called for collective action involving individuals, industries, educational institutions and government agencies to address the challenges.
Furthermore, he advocated increased investment in renewable energy, recycling, improved waste management and scientific research.
Majekodunmi identified solar, wind and water-based energy as cleaner alternatives that could reduce dependence on fossil fuels and help mitigate the effects of climate change.
His warning reinforces the need for long-term environmental planning, particularly in coastal cities such as Lagos, where flooding and other climate-related risks require sustained attention.
University of Lagos Dean Calls for Scientific Solutions
The Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Lagos, Professor Ganiu Oyechibo, also highlighted the consequences of human activities on the environment.
Oyechibo, a professor of Geo-Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology, said human actions had severely damaged natural resources and disrupted ecological balance.
He called for systematic assessments of environmental damage and the development of practical solutions to preserve natural resources for future generations.
His position underscores the importance of scientific research in identifying environmental problems, evaluating their effects and developing effective responses.
Research institutions, therefore, have an important role in supporting evidence-based environmental policies and helping communities adopt more sustainable practices.
SETPOM Promotes Environmental Awareness Among Students
Beyond the fellowship presentation and technical discussions, the conference featured a green essay competition designed to promote environmental awareness among junior and senior secondary school students.
In the junior category, Oyenike Adeyemi of Methodist Girls High School emerged as the winner. Faridah Moshood of Daltha High School took second place, while Fathia Zubair of Nurul-Islam Comprehensive High School finished third.
In the senior category, Atoyebi Halimat of Dowen College emerged as the winner, followed by Adewumi Princess of Methodist Girls High School and Kamal Adabale of Crescent High School.
The competition provided an opportunity to encourage young people to engage with environmental issues and recognise their role in protecting natural resources.
Early environmental education can help students understand the consequences of pollution, waste generation, deforestation and other activities that threaten ecological balance.
It can also encourage responsible habits that extend beyond the classroom into homes and communities.
Why Doherty’s SETPOM Fellowship Matters to YABATECH
Doherty’s recognition represents a professional milestone for YABATECH and draws attention to the contribution of research and academic institutions to sustainable development.
As Director of the Centre for Research Support and Grants Management, she occupies a role connected to research support and the development of research initiatives.
Her fellowship also highlights the importance of professional collaboration in addressing complex environmental and social challenges.
Nigeria faces several environmental concerns, including pollution, poor waste management, biodiversity loss and the effects of climate change. Addressing these problems requires collaboration among researchers, government agencies, industries, educational institutions and local communities.
Research-driven solutions can help identify the causes of environmental degradation, improve pollution control and support the development of sustainable livelihoods.
Similarly, investment in skills development can equip individuals and communities with the knowledge needed to participate in environmental protection and emerging green industries.
The conference discussions also highlighted the potential role of artificial intelligence in strengthening environmental monitoring and helping decision-makers identify emerging threats.
Nevertheless, these opportunities require effective regulation, responsible technology adoption and sustained public participation.
The Way Forward for Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria
The 2026 SETPOM conference brought together several issues central to Nigeria’s environmental future: technological innovation, scientific research, climate resilience, renewable energy and public responsibility.
The discussions suggest that environmental protection cannot depend on government action alone. Individuals must adopt responsible practices, businesses must manage their environmental impact, and educational institutions must continue to support research and public awareness.
At the same time, policymakers must strengthen environmental regulations and encourage investments that reduce pollution and protect vulnerable ecosystems.
For YABATECH, Doherty’s fellowship offers an opportunity to highlight the importance of research leadership and collaboration in tackling societal challenges.
Ultimately, sustainable environmental management will depend on the ability of institutions and communities to translate research findings, technological advances and policy commitments into practical action.
Doherty’s recognition at the SETPOM conference places her among the professionals being recognised for contributions to environmental sustainability and reinforces the importance of continued collaboration in building a healthier and more sustainable future.
#ENDS
