A Lecturer with the Federal University of Technology Akure FUTA , Dr Gideon Idowu has emerged the winner of the 2021 Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant for Africa.
According to the organisers , Dr Idowu won the award after his entry was adjudged the best from a pool of 292 entries from applicants from 27 African Countries.
The grant is under the aegis of the Oppenheimer Generations Research & Conservation .
‘”After a continent-wide search, with entries from 27 countries across Africa, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Gideon Idowu from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Nigeria, is the 3rd recipient of the annual Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant.”
The organisers said while announcing the winner .
Idowu will use the grant for research work focusing on the effects of microplastics and chemical contaminants on the environment.
” Through Dr. Idowu’s research work, policymakers and communities will gain a better understanding of the effects of microplastics and chemical contaminants on people and the environment,” the organisers said.
He was given the award in South Africa on Friday the 5th of November 2021.
“The JWO Research Grant was established to honour the late Mrs Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer and continue her extensive contribution to and passion for Africa, the environment, and science.
“The JWO Research Grant seeks to support an emerging researcher from Africa, who leads innovative research focused on the natural environment, including, but not limited to; environmental science, conservation, geology, and archaeology.
The research should address a real-world, African issue of current and future importance.”
The winner must have a strong link with a credible African Institution .
Dr Idowu described the grant as a unique honour and needed support to lead a new study across the Continent.
The Vice Chancellor of FUTA , Professor Joseph Fuwape, has congratulated Dr Idowu.
He described the grant as another validation of the excellence and global relevance of FUTA , its faculty members and students.
He said he was confident that in the extant tradition of FUTA, Dr Idowu would discharge his work creditably well for the benefit of the continent and in consonance with the expectations of
Oppenheimer Generations Research & Conservation