Alafara wins Best Paper Award in US
…..VC hails ex-Dean of Physical Sciences
By Abubakar Imam
The immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdullahi Alafara Baba, has won the TMS LMD/EPD Energy Best Paper Award at the 2026 Annual Meeting and Exhibition of The Minerals, Metal and Materials Society of the Pan American Congress held at San Diego, California, USA, last Wednesday (March 18, 2026).
Prof. Alafara, who is also the President, Materials Science and Technology Society of Nigeria as well as the Chairman, Light Elements Technology in Council of TMS, USA, was honoured in recognition of his excellence in authorship and presentation of an outstanding technical paper.
His contribution, 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 award was presented to Prof. Alafara, who is currently on sabbatical leave at the Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, by the TMS Executive Director, Prof. James T. Robinson at the Meeting Luncheon held at Ballroom 20A of the San Diego Convention Centre, San Diego, California, USA.
Prior to this, the renowned academic had received many local, national and international awards as well as held many positions within the academic environment and community-based engagements.
In a telephone chat with UNILORIN Bulletin, Prof. Alafara, who described himself as “a total product of the University of Ilorin”, thanked the authorities of the institution for the opportunity given him to be educated at the University and for his subsequent engagement as a teacher in the same institution.
He equally appreciated the management of the University for permitting him to participate in scholarly events at local and international levels over the years.
Prof. Alafara, who previously served as the Head of the Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, expressed his readiness to continue to give back to the University for the institution to produce more outstanding human and material products that would impact positively on humanity as time progresses.
In his reaction to the award won by Prof. Alafara, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, rejoiced with the renowned scholar for “adding another feather to his crowded crown of honour”.
In a statement issued by the Director of Corporate Affairs of the University, Mr Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor described Prof. Alafara as a distinguished alumnus and staff member who has brought several honours to the University over the years.
He encouraged other alumni of the University and colleagues of Prof. Alafara to emulate his sterling qualities by ensuring that their impacts are felt at national and international levels in order to justify their callings.
