How I turned cocoa farm waste into water purification solution — UNIMED graduate

Oluwatayo Ayodele, a University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State physiotherapy graduate, shares his passion for innovation and the journey that led him to develop a cocoa pod-based solution for treating polluted water. Initially studying medicine and surgery, Ayodele's interest in innovation prompted him to switch to physiotherapy in his second year, as he sought a more purpose-driven career.

Ayodele's journey began with a focus on innovation competitions and creative problem-solving during his secondary school years. His efforts were recognized when he received an award from the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in 2017. Despite his early success, Ayodele felt unfulfilled in his medical studies, which led him to explore alternative courses that could integrate his passion for innovation with healthcare.

After discovering the University of Lagos offered a biomedical engineering program, Ayodele briefly considered this field, but ultimately chose medicine due to family preferences and guidance. His decision was further influenced by the desire to study in a location close to his hometown in Ondo.

Ayodele's innovative spirit did not fade when he entered the University of Medical Sciences. During his second year, he became passionate about addressing challenges faced by cocoa farmers in his community. This interest grew after participating in various innovation and creativity boot camps, which fueled his desire to develop practical solutions to real-world problems.

The turning point in Ayodele's journey came when he discovered that cocoa farmers were receiving only a small fraction of the value generated along the supply chain, with cocoa pod waste contributing to environmental pollution. Realizing the potential of cocoa pod waste as a resource, Ayodele developed the UniThread EcoHusk innovation, which was awarded the NBTI award in London.