University of Ilesa Lecturer Secures Coveted 2025 AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant
The African-German Network of Excellence in Science (AGNES) has officially announced the selection of 45 awardees for its three major grant programmes, including the AGNES BAYER Research Grant (IRG) and the AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant (MG). This approval represents a significant milestone in AGNES's ongoing commitment to enhancing scientific research and fostering academic collaboration across the African continent.
Bunmi Bankole Recognized Among Elite Recipients
Among the distinguished beneficiaries of the highly competitive 2025 AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant (MG) is Bunmi Bankole, an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Industrial Chemistry within the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Ilesa. Bankole emerged as a recipient under the General Category of the Mobility Grant, a prestigious recognition that underscores her academic promise and unwavering dedication to advancing scientific research.
A statement issued by Babatunde Fanawopo, the Senior Assistant Registrar of the Corporate Service and Information Unit at the University of Ilesa, described her selection as a major boost not only for her professional development but also for the research profile of the institution. The AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant is specifically designed to support early-career researchers and lecturers by providing mobility opportunities that facilitate research exchange, strengthen institutional partnerships, and promote knowledge-sharing across African universities and research institutions.
University Community Celebrates Achievement
According to the statement, the announcement has been met with widespread excitement within the University of Ilesa community, as it reflects the growing recognition of the institution in both national and international academic circles. Stakeholders have hailed this achievement as a testament to the high quality of teaching and research being promoted at the University of Ilesa.
In response to this development, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Bankole on her remarkable accomplishment. He commended her for being highly resourceful, hardworking, and committed to academic excellence, describing her emergence as one of the awardees as well deserved.
Prof. Asaolu emphasized that the award has brought honor to the University and further affirmed its steady rise as a hub for scientific innovation and intellectual advancement. He expressed confidence that Bankole would maximally utilize the opportunity provided by the grant to deepen her research capacity and contribute meaningfully to the institution's academic growth.
Encouragement for Future Scholars
Furthermore, Prof. Asaolu encouraged other staff members, particularly young academics, to emulate Bankole's determination by actively pursuing international research opportunities and collaborations that enhance both personal development and institutional visibility. With this latest feat, the University of Ilesa continues to position itself as an emerging centre of excellence in science and research.
The institution has reiterated its commitment to supporting scholars and researchers who are dedicated to breaking new ground in scientific inquiry and contributing to sustainable development across Africa. This achievement underscores the vital role of academic mobility in driving innovation and fostering a collaborative research environment on the continent.
