Three academics from the University of Ilorin—Prof Alafara Baba, Dr Daud Olaoluwa, and Dr Adeniyi Saheed Aremu—have won the TMS Energy Best Paper Award, Professional Category, alongside international collaborators. The award was confirmed by the Energy Committee of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), USA.
Their paper, “Development of Optimal Extraction Conditions of Indigenous Lepidolite Ore as Raw Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries,” was published in the proceedings of the TMS 2025 Annual Meeting & Exhibition. The study provides innovative solutions for extracting local lepidolite ore, a key resource for lithium-ion battery production, highlighting Nigeria’s potential in global energy technologies.
James J. Robinson, Executive Director of TMS, commended the team for their technological innovation and significant contribution to energy research. The award will be formally presented at the Light Metals Division Luncheon during the TMS 2026 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, on March 18.
In a congratulatory statement, UNILORIN Registrar Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfania praised the scholars for their dedication to impactful research, noting that the achievement enhances the University’s international reputation and reflects its growing influence in sustainable energy and technological innovation.
He encouraged the team to continue advancing research with national and global impact, underlining the potential contribution to Nigeria’s energy sustainability goals.
