By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

The University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED), has made a significant leap in environmental health research with the establishment of a network of advanced air monitoring research stations of international repute.

This pioneering move aims to provide broader and more efficient coverage of air quality and other environmental variables.

Speaking on the development, Jenrola Akintomide, the team lead for the equipment installation, disclosed that UNIMED is the first institution in Ondo State to successfully deploy such a sophisticated network.

He emphasised that many leading Nigerian universities have yet to reach this milestone.

According to Akintomide, the latest phase of equipment installation was completed in collaboration with IQAir, USA, on May 15, 2025.

“We first installed the initial set of monitoring equipment in August 2024, and since then, we have diligently maintained the devices to ensure uninterrupted operation,” he noted.

He further explained that both the existing and newly installed equipment will function collectively as an integrated network, significantly enhancing the scope and accuracy of air quality monitoring.

The network is designed to generate real-time data sets that will provide the public and key stakeholders with valuable insights into the temporal and spatial patterns of air quality in Ondo City and other urban centres across Western Nigeria.

This data will be instrumental for the university, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in formulating effective public health and environmental policies. Ultimately, these efforts are aimed at mitigating the detrimental health impacts associated with air pollution.