By Mustafa Abubakar
The University of Ilorin Innovator of the Year(2025), Dr Folusho Bankole, has disclosed that behind her recognition is the development of three climate-smart maize varieties that promise to change the fortunes of farmers battling drought and the notorious parasitic weed, Striga hermonthica.
Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin last Monday (October 27, 2025) after the award penultimate Thursday (October 24, 2025), Dr Bankole described the honour as a collective victory, celebrating not just personal efforts but teamwork, divine grace, and institutional support.
She said,“This award is profoundly meaningful to me, and I see it not as an individual achievement but as a collective effort. It reflects God’s grace, the dedication of my research team, the support of my family, the guidance of my mentors, and the enabling environment created by the leadership of the University, from the Vice Chancellor to the Faculty and the Department.”
Dr Bankole, who teaches at the Department of Agronomy, said that the award-winning innovation, which began with the development, registration, and release of ILOMAZ 1, 2, and 3, marks a breakthrough in Crop Science, adding that the new maize varieties, tailored for Nigeria’s Guinea Savanna, are high-yielding, drought-tolerant, and resilient against Striga, one of the deadliest weeds plaguing African maize farms.
According to her, the project was borne out of a commitment to tackle food insecurity and climate challenges threatening farmers’ livelihoods.
“We wanted to provide a robust, scientific solution to low yields caused by drought and Striga,” she explained.
She said that the innovation emerged from a rigorous, multi-stage process, including multi-location trials, participatory field testing with farmers, and independent evaluation by the National Varietal Release Committee before final certification.
The innovator noted that the journey was not smooth, stressing that from insecurity in field sites to herds of cattle trampling experimental plots as the team had to navigate setbacks that tested their resolve.
“These challenges only strengthened our resilience and determination,” she recalled.
According to her, beyond the laboratory, the work is already transforming lives, as farmers in Kwara, Niger, Osun, and Oyo States have recorded higher yields and better incomes after adopting the new varieties.
She said, “This innovation aligns perfectly with UNILORIN’s mission to generate research that impacts communities. It also advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals on Zero Hunger, No Poverty, and Good Health,” she said.
Dr Bankole believed the potential for commercialisation is immense, adding that with its proven yield advantage, the ILOMAZ varieties could deliver returns of over 100% for seed companies and farmers in some regions.
She called for a stronger innovation ecosystem within universities, built on mentorship, funding, entrepreneurship training, and industry partnerships.
“Innovation thrives where ideas are nurtured, risks are supported, and collaboration is encouraged,” she noted.
Reflecting on what fuels her creativity, she pointed to collaboration and curiosity, noting that, “I stay creative through learning and networking with colleagues in universities, research institutes, and industries. I am always asking new questions and seeking better solutions.”
To aspiring innovators, she advised, “Start where you are, use what you have, and work on problems you care about. Embrace teamwork and learn from setbacks. The University of Ilorin provides a fertile ground for innovation, make the most of it. Your persistence can lead to discoveries that change the world.” she said.
