FUTA Biology Lecturer Celebrates Success of Eight Final-Year Students Under His Supervision

Dr. Milton Babajide Macaulay, a distinguished faculty member at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), is celebrating a remarkable academic achievement after successfully supervising eight final-year students in the Department of Biology. Over the past three months, the students have excelled in conducting cutting-edge research, a task usually reserved for postgraduate students, and earned distinctions in their projects.

The students—Seyi Bayode, Johnpaul Ezekweche, Mercy Agbeleye, Mercy Olomiye, Rhoda Sonibare, Qudus Salaudeen, Joy Ikehin, and Olafenwa Owowumi—were assigned research topics that covered important issues such as fluoride toxicity and microplastic bioaccumulation in aquatic species. Their projects investigated the effects of toxicity on various biological parameters, including growth performance, haematology, social behavior, oxidative stress biomarkers, endocrine dysfunction, liver enzymes, and kidney metabolites.

The External Examiner praised the quality of the research, expressing admiration for the level of work produced by undergraduate students. Dr. Macaulay reflected on the experience, acknowledging the challenge of overseeing diverse topics but expressing immense pride in the students' dedication and the high standards they achieved.

“Running through different topics for each student truly stressed me out. However, I found solace in the fact that they all eventually got a Distinction (A grade) in their projects,” Dr. Macaulay remarked. He emphasized the importance of effective monitoring, which allowed the students to perform at a level that will greatly benefit them as they pursue postgraduate studies and scholarship opportunities abroad.

Dr. Macaulay’s supervision has provided these students with invaluable hands-on lab experience and exposure to advanced scientific research, setting them up for future success in their academic and professional careers.

The accomplishment is a testament to the commitment of both the students and the faculty at FUTA’s Department of Biology, further solidifying the department’s reputation for excellence.