LASU Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Seals Research Partnership with University of York

The Lagos State University (LASU) Centre of Excellence for Sargassum (CESAR) has entered into a strategic research partnership with the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of York, United Kingdom, to advance global research on Sargassum (seaweed) and its sustainable utilisation.

The collaboration was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, December 15, 2025, marking the commencement of an international intellectual and research alliance between the two institutions. The partnership was facilitated by the immediate past Director of CESAR, Professor Benjamin S. Aribisala, and Dr Thierry Tonon of the Centre of Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), University of York.

Prior to the final signing in the United Kingdom, the MoU had been duly executed on behalf of Lagos State University by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM; the Registrar, Mr Emmanuel A. Fanu; and the Director of CESAR, Professor Morenike Adewolu.

The concluding phase of the agreement took place at the University of York, where Professor Aribisala signed the document alongside Professor Andrew Dougill, Dean of the Faculty of Science, who represented the Vice-Chancellor of the University of York.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaborative research, academic exchange, and innovation aimed at addressing environmental, economic, and developmental challenges associated with Sargassum. The partnership is expected to strengthen LASU’s research capacity while promoting sustainable solutions and international knowledge exchange in marine and agricultural sciences.