1. Microbial Diversity and Bioinformatics
Team Lead: Dr.
Olanike M. Buraimoh; Dr. Oluwafemi D. Amusa
The research cluster focuses on exploration of the broad diversity
of microorganisms in various environments. High-throughput
sequencing technologies are employed to profile microbial
communities, identify species, their functional genes, and their
interaction in diverse environments. The Microbial Diversity and
Bioinformatics cluster identifies key microbial taxa that support
ecosystem functions, informing strategies to protect and restore
habitats in addition to developing bioremediation strategies.
2. Marine Biodiversity, Coastal Management and Resilience
Team Lead:
Prof. Aderonke O. Lawal-Are; Dr. Mosunmola F. Akinwunmi
Variety of life in the ocean and seas is critical for sustainable
development supporting ecosystem health, human well-being and
prosperity. Marine and coastal environments contain diverse
habitats and marine life producing oxygen, food and moderating
climate change. Resilience indicates the ability of an ecosystem
to return to its original state following a disturbance or other
perturbation. The Marine Biodiversity, Coastal Management and
Resilience research cluster keys into the Coastal and Marine
Ecosystem Management Program (CMEMP) database which is a knowledge
management platform serving as a repository of all data and
information on the coastal and marine ecosystems.
3. Coastal Resilience and Management
Team Lead:
Prof. Alabi Soneye and Prof. Amidu O. Ayeni
The research cluster focuses on understanding, developing, and
implementing strategies to enhance the resilience of coastal
regions against natural and anthropogenic threats. The primary
goal is to safeguard coastal ecosystems, communities, and
infrastructure through innovative management practices and
sustainable development. The key research areas include: climate
change impact, ecosystem protection and restoration, sustainable
coastal resilience, community engagement and education, policy and
governance, and innovative technologies and approaches.
4. Food Security and Food System
Team Lead:
Prof. Adebayo L. Ogunkanmi and Dr. Mariam Okpoma
The research cluster aims to address the challenges of ensuring
reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all.
The cluster focuses on understanding the dynamics of food
production, distribution, and consumption while promoting
sustainable practices to support resilient and equitable food
systems. The key research areas include: food production, supply
chain and distribution, nutrition and health, food access and
equity, policy and governance, climate change and resilience, and
technological approaches.
5. Terrestrial Biodiversity
Team Lead:
Prof. Temitope O. Onuminya and Dr. Soladoye B. Iwajomo
This research cluster is dedicated to understanding, conserving,
and restoring biodiversity on land. The cluster aims to identify
the drivers of biodiversity loss, study the impacts of human
activities, and develop strategies to protect and enhance
terrestrial ecosystems and their invaluable services. The key
research areas include: Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring,
Habitat Conservation and Restoration, Impacts of Human Activities,
Ecosystem Services, Conservation Strategies and Policy, Community
Engagement and Education, and Climate Change Adaptation.
6. Ecosystem Restoration and Natural Resources Management
Team Lead:
Prof. Kelechi L. Njoku and Dr. Abdulganiyu Adelopo
This research cluster focuses on developing and implementing
strategies to restore degraded ecosystems and sustainably manage
natural resources. The primary goal is to enhance ecosystem
resilience, improve biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable use
of natural resources for present and future generations. The key
research areas include: Ecosystem Assessment and Monitoring,
Restoration Techniques, Sustainable Resource Management, Climate
Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Community-Based Management,
Policy and Governance, and Biodiversity Conservation.
7. Evolution Genetics and Genomics
Team Lead:
Prof. Khalid Adekoya and Dr. Mutiu O. Sifau
The research cluster aims to explore the genetic and genomic
underpinnings of evolutionary processes. The cluster focuses on
understanding how genetic variation contributes to the adaptation
and diversification of species, providing insights into the
mechanisms driving evolution and informing conservation and
medical strategies. The key research areas include: Genetic
Variation and Evolution, Genomic Technologies and Approaches,
Sustainable Resource Management, Climate Change Mitigation and
Adaptation, Community-Based Management, Policy and Governance, and
Biodiversity Conservation.
8. Environmental Evidence Synthesis and Knowledge Translation
(EESK)
Team Lead: Dr.
Temitope Sogbanmu; Dr. Okwong J. Walter
The Cluster was established and operates under TETFUND Centre of
Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management
(TCEBCEM - https://tcebcem.unilag.edu.ng/) at the University of
Lagos as an institutionalized outcome of the Evidence Use in
Environmental Policymaking in Nigeria (EUEPiN -
https://euepin.unilag.edu.ng/) project. Its focus is on capacity
building, generation, co-production, synthesis and dissemination
of high-quality environmental evidence to guide
decision/policymaking processes in Nigeria, among others.
9. Environmental Education and Advocacy
Team Lead:
Prof. Fatai Badru
This research cluster promotes environmental awareness, education,
and public engagement to foster sustainable environmental
practices and responsible resource use. It focuses on building
environmental literacy, influencing positive behavioral change,
supporting policy advocacy, and strengthening collaboration among
communities, institutions, and stakeholders to advance
environmental conservation and sustainable development.