The Director, Centre for Research Support and Grants Management, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Funmilayo Doherty receiving Fellowship Award of the SETPOM held yesterday in Unilag
By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The Director of the Centre for Research Support and Grants Management at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Funmilayo Doherty, has received the 2026 Fellowship Award of the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (SETPOM) in recognition of her contributions to environmental sustainability, skills development and sustainable livelihoods.
Doherty was conferred with the title of Fellow of SETPOM, designated FEnv, at the society’s three-day international conference held at the University of Lagos on October 27, 2026.
Speaking after receiving the award, she expressed appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing environmental sustainability, strengthening skills development and expanding opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
The conference, themed “Driving Environmental Security, Innovation, and Resilience through AI, Research, Industry, and Regulation for Global Livelihoods,” brought together stakeholders from academia, industry and other sectors to discuss emerging environmental challenges and innovative approaches to pollution control and ecosystem protection.
Speaking at the event, SETPOM President, Dr Idowu Aneyo, called for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into environmental management to improve pollution monitoring, protect biodiversity and strengthen ecosystem resilience.
Aneyo, a lecturer in the Department of Zoology at the University of Lagos, explained that AI-driven technologies could analyse large volumes of environmental data, identify pollution patterns and predict ecological disruptions before they occur.
She said the adoption of such technologies would facilitate timely interventions, minimise damage to fragile ecosystems and promote evidence-based environmental management.
The SETPOM president, however, stressed that technological innovation must be supported by effective regulation and public cooperation to achieve meaningful environmental protection.
She acknowledged the Lagos State Government’s efforts to enforce environmental regulations but noted that individual responsibility and public acceptance of sustainable practices remained essential.
Also speaking, 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 if urgent action was not taken.
He attributed environmental degradation to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss, warning that these factors could worsen flooding, coastal erosion and extreme weather events.
Majekodunmi called for collective action by individuals, industries, educational institutions and governments, urging increased investment in renewable energy, recycling, improved waste management and scientific research.
He identified solar, wind and water-based energy as cleaner alternatives that could reduce dependence on fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Lagos, Professor Ganiu Oyechibo, said human activities had significantly damaged natural resources and disrupted ecological balance.
Oyechibo, a professor of Geo-Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology, called for systematic assessments of environmental damage and the development of practical solutions to preserve natural resources for future generations.
The conference also featured a green essay competition for junior and senior secondary school students to promote environmental awareness among young people.
In the junior category, Oyenike Adeyemi of Methodist Girls High School emerged winner, while Faridah Moshood of Daltha High School came second and Fathia Zubair of Nurul-Islam Comprehensive High School placed third.
In the senior category, Atoyebi Halimat of Dowen College emerged winner, followed by Adewumi Princess of Methodist Girls High School and Kamal Adabale of Crescent High School.
Doherty’s recognition marks a professional milestone for YABATECH and highlights the importance of research, environmental sustainability, skills development and innovation in addressing societal challenges.
Her fellowship also underscores the role of research institutions and professional collaboration in developing sustainable solutions to environmental problems and improving livelihoods.
Tags: YABATECH, Funmilayo Doherty, SETPOM, Environmental Sustainability, University of Lagos, Research and Development, Climate Change
