My research patented technology for smokeless biofuel — Odusote, UNILORIN Innovator of the Year
By Mustafa Abubakar
University of Ilorin’s Innovator of the Year 2026, Prof. Jamiu Kolawole Odusote, has disclosed that he developed and patented a locally fabricated fixed-bed torrefaction chamber designed to convert agricultural and forestry residues into smokeless, high-energy biofuel.
Prof. Odusote, who disclosed this last Sunday (October 23, 2026) while speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin, said the invention, patented on February 16, 2025, converts biomass such as agricultural residues, leaves and sawdust into stable, energy-dense biochar for the production of smokeless briquettes that can be used domestically and commercially for energy production.
The don, who is the Director, Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy, said the innovation was developed to address the rising cost of fossil fuels, unsustainable wood-fuel use and its link to deforestation, as well as the health and environmental burden associated with traditional biomass burning, which produces heavy smoke emissions. He added that the high cost and limited availability of imported pyrolysis equipment also underscored the need for a locally fabricated alternative.
Prof. Odusote explained that the chamber transforms agricultural and forestry residues into stable, smokeless and energy-dense fuel, reducing dependence on traditional wood fuels and reducing the pressure on forests. He added that minimising smoke emissions could improve air quality, reduce exposure to harmful particulates and contribute to climate-change mitigation by lowering greenhouse-gas emissions and providing a renewable substitute for fossil fuels.
He identified limited local awareness of torrefaction, perceived upfront capital costs compared with traditional fuels and variations in biomass feedstock properties as major challenges encountered by the research team. He said the team addressed these through the use of widely available mild steel and mineral wool insulation to reduce capital costs and simplify repairs, while a straightforward mechanical design and digital temperature control were adopted to reduce operator training requirements.
According to him, the chamber is currently being used by undergraduate and postgraduate students for research projects on smokeless briquettes, adding that feedbacks from users were being collated to facilitate further modification. He said the modified chamber was expected to produce liquid bio-oil alongside solid biochar.
Prof. Odusote said the research group would partner with relevant research agencies, waste-management companies and agro-industries to integrate the technology into biomass value chains, develop a manufacturer-support network and explore carbon-benefit registration and other incentive schemes to create sustainable revenue streams.
He said the innovation, if adopted, could advance national energy security, promote sustainable waste management and create new rural income opportunities.
According to Prof. Odusote, it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 on Climate Action and SDG 15 on Life on Land.
He said potential adopters include universities and research institutes, agricultural and agro-processing industries, renewable-fuel and biofuel producers, waste-management and biomass-recovery firms, small industrial boiler operators, bakeries and brick kilns seeking alternative fuels, as well as solid-fuel manufacturers and environmental service providers participating in carbon-offset schemes.
