LASU PhD Graduate Wins 2026 Fafunwa Educational Foundation Post-Doctoral Award

Lagos State University (LASU) has congratulated Dr. Ayodeji Ogundowole, a 2026 PhD graduate of the Faculty of Education, on being named one of the winners of the prestigious 2026 Fafunwa Educational Foundation (FEF) Post-Doctoral Award in Education.

Dr. Ogundowole, of the Department of Science and Technology Education, was recognised for his doctoral research titled, “Culturo-Techno-Contextual Approach 2.0, Secondary School Students’ Cognitive Achievement and Process Skills Acquisition in Biology.”

His research examines how indigenous knowledge, familiar cultural contexts and technology can be integrated into science education to improve students’ learning outcomes and develop the process skills needed for innovation.

The research was supervised by the former Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Tunde Owolabi, and Professor Hakeem Akintoye, the current Deputy Director of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education (ACEITSE).

Speaking on the award, Dr. Ogundowole said his research had its roots in a personal experience. He noted that while growing up, he developed a phobia for science and observed that mother tongue and indigenous practices were often regarded as distractions to quality education rather than resources that could support learning.

That experience eventually became the foundation for his research into how culturally relevant approaches could make science education more accessible and effective.

“This novel work proves that our culture is not anti-science. When you teach biology using familiar cultural contexts, local languages and technology, students do not just pass, but acquire process skills,” Dr. Ogundowole said.

The Fafunwa Educational Foundation, founded in 1995 by the late Emeritus Professor Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa, former Minister of Education and Youth Development, is a non-governmental and non-political organisation dedicated to advancing educational development in Nigeria.

Dr. Ogundowole will receive the national recognition at the 19th Post-Doctoral Awards ceremony, which forms part of the Foundation’s 24th Annual Lecture scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The event will be held under the chairmanship of the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, with the theme, “What Does the Research Say? Mother Tongue Instruction and the Future of Early Education in Nigeria.”

The award adds to the growing recognition of research emerging from LASU and strengthens the University’s commitment to research that connects education, culture, technology and national development.

The Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, congratulated Dr. Ogundowole on the achievement and extended her congratulations to his supervisors, colleagues and the Faculty of Education on the national honour.