Professor Helen Ajayi Delivers Groundbreaking 'Waste-to-Life' Lecture at Benson Idahosa University

By Ngozi Okeibunor

In a significant academic milestone, Professor Helen Inikpi Ajayi has joined the distinguished league of inaugural lecturers at Benson Idahosa University (BIU). On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, she delivered the University’s 23rd inaugural lecture, a landmark event that also marked the first such lecture from the Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology.

Addressing a captivated audience at the University Auditorium, Professor Ajayi, a Professor of Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition, presented her visionary research under the title ‘From Organic Waste to Thriving Life: A Sustainable Harmony between Monogastric Animals, Herbs and Herb Extracts.’

The lecture was a profound exploration of the critical role organic waste and phytogenic compounds can play in advancing sustainable nutrition for monogastric animals. It not only showcased Professor Ajayi’s scholarly depth but also demonstrated how rigorous research can transform environmental liabilities into tangible economic opportunities, effectively turning waste into wealth.

Weaving together scientific evidence, practical application, and a forward-thinking vision for sustainability, the lecture provided insights with implications far beyond animal science. It compellingly addressed pressing global issues, including food security, environmental stewardship, and the economic empowerment of farming communities.

Professor Ajayi presented innovative solutions to real-world challenges such as the rising cost of conventional feed, the burden of agricultural waste, and the urgent need for sustainable animal production. By integrating advanced enzyme technology and strategic protein supplementation, she illustrated a viable model for valorizing waste streams, reducing feed costs, and maintaining productivity, all while safeguarding animal health and the environment.

Her work was highlighted as a testament to the mission of generating knowledge that is not only academically rigorous but also socially relevant and globally impactful—a research dialogue speaking directly to farmers, industry leaders, policymakers, and communities invested in building sustainable food systems.

In her concluding remarks, Professor Ajayi elevated the discourse, framing monogastric animal production as “an act of stewardship, sustainability, and hope for a future where resources are not wasted and everything is integrated.” She asserted that the solutions to significant challenges often lie within our waste streams, and that the widespread application of this knowledge is key to creating a harmonious and sustainable system where both agriculture and the environment can thrive.

The event was graced by the Chief Host, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Okhuoya, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Theresa Akpoghome, alongside BIU management, staff, and students. The academic significance of the lecture was further underscored by the presence of dignitaries from several premier institutions, including the University of Benin, University of Ibadan, University of Delta, Agbor, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.