The Head of Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Lagos, Professor Olayide Folashade Obidi has stressed the need for research to translate into solutions for real-world problems, through stronger collaboration among universities, industry, and society.
She stated this on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, while delivering the University’s 20th Inaugural Lecture of the 2025/2026 academic session. Titled: From Micro to Nano: The Colourful Voyage of an Industrial Microbiologist, the hybrid lecture was held at the J.F. Ade. Ajayi (Main) Auditorium, UNILAG.
The lecture, graced by members of the University community, researchers, students, friends and family of Professor Obidi, traced her research trajectory across industrial microbiology, environmental science, and nanotechnology.
From Paints To Nanoparticles
Professor Obidi said her research began in an area not often associated with microbiology, the paint and coatings industry. She explained that her studies examined microorganisms found in paints and on painted surfaces, and their role in spoilage, deterioration, and reduced shelf-life.
She noted that the shift to water-based paints brought new challenges. While the formulations offered environmental benefits over solvent-based alternatives, their higher water content made them more vulnerable to microbial growth. This informed her research into ways of improving the stability and durability of water-based paints while retaining their environmental advantages.
Professor Obidi revealed that her work later expanded into the marine environment, where she studied biofilms and their effects on boat hydrodynamics, as well as antifouling agents for controlling their growth.
She explained how her research also explored the use of biosynthesized nanoparticles to remove heavy metals from industrial effluents, demonstrating the broader application of microbiology in environmental management.
From Research To Application
The Inaugural Lecture also provided a platform for Professor Obidi to point out how her research has yielded patents and is moving towards commercial application. In 2024, she received the Project Innovation to Market Prototype and Start-Up Grant, which supports the development of research with potential industrial application.
Professor Obidi stressed that the value of research should be measured not only by publications, but also by its capacity to produce technologies, products, and solutions that address societal needs.
She also called for well-equipped laboratories to support innovative and groundbreaking research, noting that adequate infrastructure is essential for advancing scientific discoveries. She advocated increased financial investment to strengthen the development and adoption of protective nanocoatings technology, while urging greater alignment of technological research with the priorities of government, research councils and regional development agencies.
About Professor Olayide Folashade Obidi
Born on September 30, 1969 in Obanikoro, Lagos State; Professor Obidi had her early education at Our Lady of Apostles Primary School, Yaba (1975 – 1980); Immaculate Heart Comprehensive High School, Maryland (1981-1986); and Lagos State School of Basic Studies (1987-1988).
The Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State indigene obtained a B.Sc. in Botany from Lagos State University in 1993, M.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Ibadan in 1997, and Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 2009. She had her Postdoctoral training in Materials Science and Engineering at the Iowa State University for Science and Technology, IA, United States of America (2014).
Professor Obidi’s teaching experience dates back to 1994 when she observed the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Programme as a teacher at the Army Day Secondary School, Chindit Barracks, Zaria, Kaduna State. She worked briefly at UAC Pharmaceutical and Personal Products Ltd, Ilupeju, Lagos, from August to December, 2000.
The thoroughbred teacher joined the services of the University of Lagos as a Graduate Assistant in 2003. She was appointed Lecturer II in 2008, Lecturer I in 2011, Senior Lecturer in 2014, Associate Professor in 2019 and Professor in 2022. She has supervised over 130 undergraduate students’ projects and seminars; 34 Master’s students and five doctoral students.
Professor Obidi has served the University in various academic and administrative capacities. The current Head, Department of Microbiology is also a Member of Senate (2018 to 2022 and 2024 – date); Member of Departmental Postgraduate Committee (2011- date); and Coordinator, Departmental Postgraduate Programme (2022-2026). She is the Chairperson, Programme and Logistic Committee for Microbiology Department 50th year anniversary and Pioneer Technology Transfer Ambassador, Old Faculty of Science (2025-date).
Professor Obidi, whose area of specialization is Industrial Microbiology and Bionanotechnology, is widely published with over sixty (60) peer-reviewed articles in learned journals and papers presented at national and international conferences. The ardent researcher is currently working on biosynthesis and application of nanoparticles as additives for the paints and coatings industry as well as for bionanoremediation of industrial effluents.
Her quest for scientific research and development has earned her international opportunities such as visiting Professor at University of Ghana, Legon; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis, USA; Virginia Tech Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology (VTSuN),Virginia, USA. She has also served as an international conference moderator at the SCON International Conference on Nanotechnology, Las Vegas, USA amongst others.
Professor Obidi is a recipient of many awards, scholarships and research grants. These include American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Postdoctoral Fellowship, Society for Applied Microbiology (SFAM) President’s Fund, U.K., American Coatings Association grant, American Association of University Women International Community grant, amongst others.
By virtue of her research output and contributions to development of new technologies for industry, she was selected alongside nine other Nigerians to receive the National office of technology acquisition and promotion (NOTAP)-INDUSTRY Technology Transfer Fellowship in collaboration with industry. In addition, she has registered a paint and coatings company incorporated under the companies and allied matters act 2020. The company has produced eco-friendly, nanotechnology-based anti-corrosive paints which have been applied by consumers and proved effective.
Outside UNILAG, Professor Obidi has served as Adjunct Lecturer/External Examiner in Microbiology Department at Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos (2018 – date); External Assessor/Examiner at Covenant University (2020), McPherson University (2024 – date) and University of Ibadan (2024 – date); as well as Vice Chairperson, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) Technical Committee on Packaging Materials (2024 – date). Her other activities include consultation, research and development activities for Chemical and Allied Products Ltd.; Infinity Paints Ltd, Berger Paints Ltd amongst others.
As an advocate for the advancement of the girl child, she founded the Society for Girls STEM Education in 2022 with the mandate of demystifying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for the Nigerian female students in order to bridge the gender gap in Science disciplines.
Professor Obidi is a member of several learned associations including the Nigeria Society for Microbiology (NSM), American Association of University Women (AAUW), American Society for Microbiology (ASM), American Coatings Association (ACA), Caucus for Women in Statistics and Data Science amongst others.
A devout Christian, Professor Obidi enjoys singing Christian music and traveling. She is Women Coordinator at the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Lagos Nigeria.
Professor Olayide Folashade Obidi is happily married and blessed with children.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Michael Joshua
