From Nigeria to the global scientific stage, Adedayo Ayodeji Lanrewaju graduated from the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation, where he was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy PhD in Biology and Food Science. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing scientific research, fostering innovation, and addressing critical public health challenges.
With a background in microbiology and biotechnology, Lanrewaju has developed expertise in environmental virology, computational drug discovery, and wastewater based epidemiology. He previously obtained a Bachelor of Technology in Microbiology and a Master of Science in Industrial Microbiology, which laid the foundation for his doctoral studies.
At DUT, his PhD research focused on wastewater based viral surveillance and antiviral drug discovery. He investigated the prevalence and diversity of waterborne enteric viruses in wastewater and river systems within the eThekwini Municipality, while also exploring innovative methods to inhibit these viruses using phyto nanomaterials, which are plant derived compounds enhanced through nanotechnology.
His study titled “Metagenomic fingerprinting of waterborne enteric viruses and their inhibition using phyto nanomaterials” underscores the growing importance of early virus detection and the development of new antiviral strategies. Using advanced techniques such as next generation sequencing and computational modelling, his research identified a wide range of viral pathogens, including enteroviruses, rotavirus A, and hepatitis A virus, all of which pose ongoing public health risks.
Beyond surveillance, Lanrewaju investigated bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants as potential antiviral agents. Through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantum chemical analysis, he identified promising candidates with strong binding affinity and stability. Further enhancement through silver complexation improved their effectiveness, offering potential pathways for future antiviral drug development.
His academic journey has been marked by both achievement and resilience. He presented his research at local and international conferences, earning recognition for his scientific communication, and contributed to bioinformatics training workshops that support capacity building within the scientific community. His work has resulted in six peer reviewed publications in accredited journals.
A significant portion of his research was conducted at the University of the Free State’s Next Generation Sequencing Unit, where he gained valuable exposure to advanced laboratory environments and expanded his technical expertise.
Like many researchers, he encountered challenges, including delays in the procurement of laboratory materials and the technical complexities of extracting and preserving viral RNA from wastewater samples. These challenges were further compounded by power interruptions, which posed risks to maintaining ultra-low temperature storage conditions. Through persistence, careful planning, and continuous optimisation of his methods, he successfully navigated these obstacles.
Reflecting on his journey, Lanrewaju noted that delays in accessing consumables and the technical demands of RNA extraction required constant adaptation. He added that the fragile nature of RNA, combined with power disruptions at the time, made maintaining sample integrity particularly challenging.
His research was inspired by the global impact of the COVID 19 pandemic, which highlighted the urgent need for improved virus detection systems and more effective antiviral treatments. His work reflects a broader vision of integrating surveillance with therapeutic development to strengthen responses to infectious disease threats.
Looking ahead, Lanrewaju aims to build a career in research, focusing on environmental virology, wastewater based epidemiology, and antiviral drug discovery. He aspires to contribute to high impact studies within academic or research institutions, while also mentoring the next generation of scientists.
He encourages aspiring students to seek strong mentorship, collaborate widely, and take advantage of opportunities such as scholarships and institutional support.
Pictured: Adedayo Ayodeji Lanrewaju
Photographer : Khulasande Tshayile
Thubelihle Dumakude
