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Representatives of the World Bank paid a courtesy visit to the management of Lagos State University (LASU) on Thursday, 5th February 2026.
The visit was primarily meant to explore a strategic partnership with the LASU Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research.
The visit took place at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin received the delegation on behalf of the university management.
During the visit, the World Bank team lead, Senior Fisheries Specialist (Aquaculture), Dr Harrison Karisa, underscored the growing global interest in seaweed, particularly Asparagopsis, as a climate-smart feed additive capable of reducing enteric methane emissions in livestock by up to 98%.
He noted that the livestock sector accounts for about 50% of production-related methane emissions, with human activities responsible for nearly 80% overall.
World Bank Global Coordinator, (Methane Reduction), Stefania Abbakerli, observed that Nigeria hosts about 79 seaweed species, with studies identifying 10 high-impact applications across sectors including animal feed, construction and environmental management.
According to her, when fully developed, the sector could contribute an estimated $11.8 billion to the national economy.
She referred to the growth of Nigeria’s cattle population, now exceeding 15 million, highlighting the need for sustainable feeding solutions.
The meeting acknowledged the existing innovations at the Lagos State University Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research, where applications such as animal feed and eco-friendly bricks are already being developed, while noting challenges relating to funding, tenure rights, production scale and institutional coordination.
In his response, the representative of the Vice-Chancellor at the meeting, Prof Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin reaffirmed Lagos State University’s commitment to impactful research and welcomed collaborations that support national development and climate objectives.
Enikuomehin, while appreciating the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello for her unwavering support for initiatives that develop the university, noted that available prototypes and trademarked products provide a strong basis for industrial transfer and commercialisation.
The visit ended with a commitment by both parties to pursue practical partnership arrangements, including pilot projects, targeting commercialisation initiatives.
