Agbaje Lateef, head of the LAUTECH Nanotechnology Research Group (NANO+), has said that its 10th international conference on nanotechnology would deepen conversations on research funding, patenting, and commercialisation of research outputs.
NANO+ is a nanotechnology research group at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, which seeks to develop and strengthen research in nanotechnology for market acceptance.
Themed, ‘Sustainable Nanotechnology: From Research to Reality 2.0’ the 2026 conference is scheduled for November 23-27, 2026 at the main campus of the University in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Lateef, a professor in the department of Pure and Applied Biology of the institution, reiterated that the conference will afford critical stakeholders an opportunity to discuss how Nigeria can benefit from nanotechnology in practical terms.
According to him, this year’s conference which builds on the past editions will be declared open by Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, the minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, on Wednesday November 25, 2026.
Lateef added that the annual conference has become a breeding ground for new thinkers in nanotechnology; while the workshop component focuses on hands-on training on ‘Green synthesis, characterization and applications of nanoparticles.’
He disclosed that over 600 early-career scholars have benefitted from the training in the last 10 years, permeating more that 50 institutions in Nigeria.
“Many of these beneficiaries have integrated nanotechnology in their research activities in different areas of agriculture, engineering, pharmaceutical and medical fields, basic sciences, food and nutrition, water, environment, and renewable energy among others.”
According to him, Martins Emeje, the director-general of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) will deliver the keynote address, while Razaq O. Rom Kalilu, vice-chancellor of LAUTECH, will be the chairman of the occasion.
Similarly, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the executive vice-chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, is expected as a special guest of honour.
To commemorate the 10th edition of the annual conference, students of some selected secondary schools in Ogbomoso will compete for prizes on essay writing on nanotechnology.
The conference will also witness an award ceremony dedicated to recognising individuals, agencies, and organisations that have partnered with the group since 2014 in the promotion of nanotechnology R&D in Nigeria.
Lateef stated that the research group is at the forefront of advancing nanotechnology R&D in Nigeria, and has contributed over 220 research articles on nanotechnology in 12 years, while some members have been granted patents in Nigeria and South Africa.
According to him, the research group has also developed nano-based products that are applicable to industries, agriculture, renewable energy, environment, and healthcare.
The group also established an open access journal, which is the first specialized journal of nanotechnology in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The journal, ‘Nano Plus: Science and Technology of Nanomaterials’ in its 11th volume is indexed by bodies in South Africa, USA, and Germany.
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Seyi John Salau is a BusinessDay Correspondent with interest in development journalism, which tells stories that connect the people, brands, and the government. SeyiJohn is also a media professional with BSc, Mass Communition (ACU); Masters of School Media (MSM, Ibadan) & MSc, Mass Communication (Caleb).
