Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Raymond Osemene
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has recorded another landmark achievement in agricultural research and innovation, as a team of its scholars secured a patent for an environmentally friendly nano-pesticide designed to address the challenges associated with conventional chemical pesticides. The innovation, branded Tripleshield Agro, received patent approval recently.
Speaking at the product presentation ceremony today, February 10, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, lauded the research team, led by Prof. Akinola Popoola, for the remarkable feat. He underscored the critical importance of intellectual property protection, advising researchers to exercise caution when disclosing technical details publicly and to avoid premature agreements that could jeopardise ownership rights or future commercialisation prospects.
The Vice-Chancellor further assured the team of the University’s commitment to supporting large-scale field trials, farmer engagement initiatives, and the eventual commercialisation of the product. He emphasised the need to safeguard proprietary knowledge while fostering collaboration through well-structured and mutually beneficial partnerships.
During the formal presentation to Management, the Research Team Lead explained that the product was developed in response to growing concerns among farmers regarding the adverse effects of chemical pesticides. He noted that indiscriminate increases in pesticide concentrations, often without expert guidance, have resulted in environmental pollution, health complications such as skin irritation and vomiting, and, in severe cases, contamination of water sources.
According to him, the nano-pesticide leverages nanotechnology to deliver active ingredients directly to target organisms, including fungi, bacteria, and insects. This precision-targeted approach significantly reduces wastage and enhances effectiveness compared to conventional broadcast pesticide application methods.
Prof. Popoola further highlighted that the product was developed using green synthesis techniques to ensure environmentally safe production. The team worked primarily with neem-based materials while deliberately minimising the use of potentially harmful substances, including silver nanoparticles, to reduce ecological risks.
A major highlight of the event was the formal presentation of the Certificate of Registration of Patent to the Vice-Chancellor.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo; Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof. Bolarinwa Senjobi; and the Ag. Director, Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Dr. Oluwagbemiga Adeleye. Other attendees were members of the research team, Dr. Caroline Filani and Dr. Chioma Adekunle.
Meanwhile, the team distinguished itself nationally by emerging among the top three institutions with the best pitch decks at the 2025 closing ceremony of the TETFund TETFAIRINNOV8 Programme.
