In a recent academic achievement, Zainab Yaqub, a lecturer at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has been awarded a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Yaqub’s accomplishment highlights her dedication to advancing research in sustainable energy solutions.
Yaqub was conferred with her PhD during the university’s convocation ceremony on Monday, July 29, 2024. Her groundbreaking research focused on the chemical looping combustion of waste paper and sugarcane bagasse, utilizing ilmenite as the oxygen carrier.
This innovative work, supervised by Professor Bilainu Oborien and co-supervised by Professor Henrik Leion from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, delves into energy recovery from waste materials while incorporating carbon capture techniques.
The research not only advances the field of chemical engineering but also addresses critical global challenges such as waste management and environmental sustainability.
By exploring the potential of waste materials as sources of energy, Yaqub’s work offers a viable path towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing the environmental impact of waste disposal.
Professor Oborien, Yaqub’s supervisor, praised her for her significant contributions to the study of chemical looping combustion of municipal solid waste.
“She made original contributions to the field of chemical looping combustion of municipal solid waste,” he stated. “Three journal articles from this study were published in high-impact journals, highlighting the significance and quality of her work.”
Oborien also noted that Yaqub is his seventh doctoral student and the first whom he supervised through both her master’s and doctoral degrees, underscoring the strong academic relationship they built over the years.
Reflecting on her achievement, Yaqub expressed heartfelt gratitude to her mentors and loved ones. She dedicated her success to her late father, Professor Yaqub Muhammad, who was a source of encouragement and inspiration throughout her academic journey.
“Completing this PhD has been a challenging yet rewarding journey for me. I thank Allah for this success. I am deeply grateful to my supervisors, Professor Oborien and Professor Leion, for their guidance and support,” she said. “I equally want to appreciate my loved ones, especially my parents, the late Prof. Yaqub Muhammad and Prof. Jameelah Yaqub, for their support and mentorship.”
Yaqub emphasized her eagerness to contribute her knowledge to the academic community at UNILORIN, with a focus on continuing to explore sustainable solutions in chemical engineering.
Yaqub’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Lagos in 2016. She then proceeded to the University of Johannesburg, where she completed her master’s degree in 2019 and her PhD in 2024. Her academic achievements demonstrate her commitment to excellence and innovation in her field.
In December 2023, Yaqub joined the Department of Chemical Engineering at UNILORIN as a lecturer. Her academic pursuits are complemented by her role as the Executive Director of the Milestone Agenda for Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (MAFYEDI), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting access to quality education for marginalized communities and empowering young people to drive sustainable development in their communities.
Yaqub’s research and educational initiatives align with global efforts to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Her work serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and researchers, particularly women in STEM fields, to pursue innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.
As she embarks on the next chapter of her career, Yaqub remains committed to using her expertise to foster academic growth and contribute to sustainable engineering practices. Her achievements resonate beyond academia, highlighting the transformative power of education and research in building a sustainable future.
