3 UNILORIN scholars win TMS international energy best paper award
By Mustafa Abubakar
Three scholars from the University of Ilorin, Prof. Alafara Baba, Dr Daud Olaoluwa, and Dr Adeniyi Saheed Aremu, have emerged winners of the prestigious TMS Light Metals (LMD) and Extraction & Processing Divisions (EPD) Energy Best Paper Award, Professional Category, alongside their international collaborators.
Their nomination was approved by the Energy Committee of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), USA.
This was contained in separate letters sent to each of the trio, by the Executive Director of TMS, Mr James J. Robinson, and made available to UNILORIN Bulletin last Thursday (November 13,2025).
Their award-winning paper, titled “Development of Optimal Extraction Conditions of Indigenous Lepidolite Ore as Raw Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries,” was published in the TMS 2025 154th Annual Meeting & Exhibition Supplemental Proceedings.
The research provides innovative scientific and technological solutions to practical energy-related challenges, especially in the extraction of indigenous lepidolite ore for lithium-ion battery production, a resource of increasing global strategic importance.
Mr Robinson commended the trio for producing an exemplary scientific paper that demonstrates technological innovation and presents new and significant contributions to global energy research, noting that the award celebrates outstanding scientific application towards solving real-world energy problems.
According to the notification, the formal presentation of the award will take place at the Light Metals Division (LMD) Luncheon during the TMS 2026 Annual Meeting & Exhibition scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in San Diego, California.
Meanwhile, in a congratulatory message on behalf of the University Management last Thursday (November 13, 2025), the Registrar of the University of Ilorin, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfania, praised the scholars for earning such a distinguished international honour.
He described their achievement as a “well-deserved recognition” that reflects their dedication to impactful research, commitment to academic excellence, and contribution to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
The Registrar pointed out that the paper’s scientific merit and technological relevance demonstrate the University of Ilorin’s growing influence in global research and innovation.
He noted that the award has brought “great pride and recognition to the University of Ilorin and the Nigerian academic community”, adding that such accomplishments reinforce the institution’s reputation as a centre of cutting-edge research and intellectual leadership.
Mr Alfanla reaffirmed the University Management’s support for scholarly excellence and encouraged the award recipients to sustain their pace in conducting world-class research with both national and global impacts.
The Registrar expressed confidence that the team’s work in lithium-ion raw material development would contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s quest for energy sustainability and technological advancement.
