When the applause filled the grand auditorium at the just-concluded TechQuest International Conference 2023, one name resonated across the floor Joshua Temiloluwa Oyeboade. A biologist and environmental researcher whose passion for biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management has shaped his journey from Nigeria’s fertile landscapes to the research fields of the United States, Joshua stood out not only for his academic brilliance but for his commitment to real-world environmental change.
The TechQuest Biodiversity Innovation Excellence Award 2023 celebrated his ongoing efforts in ecological conservation and aquaculture sustainability fields that continue to define his purpose as a scientist and educator. The award, one of the most respected honors at the TechQuest Innovation Awards, recognizes individuals who are advancing environmental research, sustainability projects, and biodiversity restoration efforts in ways that bridge science and society.
As the conference wrapped up its sessions on environmental innovation, sustainable technologies, and the circular economy, Joshua’s recognition served as a timely reminder that Africa’s future depends on people who understand the delicate balance between nature and progress.
We sat down with Joshua for an in-depth conversation about his early beginnings, his research interests, and what this milestone means to him. His story reveals not just the path of a scientist but the evolution of a purpose-driven individual working to redefine how we engage with our natural world.
Q1. Joshua, let’s start from the beginning. What sparked your interest in environmental science and biodiversity?
Joshua: Growing up in Nigeria, I was surrounded by the kind of natural beauty that leaves an impression on you early in life. Rivers, farmlands, fish ponds these were not just sights; they were part of daily living. But I also witnessed how quickly those same resources were being degraded. Overfishing, pollution, and poor management practices were taking their toll.
What drew me into environmental science wasn’t just curiosity, it was a sense of responsibility. I wanted to understand how nature works and how human activity can either protect or destroy it. That’s what led me to study Aquaculture and Fisheries Management at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
During my undergraduate years, I realized that aquaculture, when done sustainably, could provide food security and economic empowerment while protecting natural ecosystems. That mix of science and social impact fascinated me. I wanted to become part of the generation that not only studies biodiversity but actively restores it.
Q2. You’ve worked in very different environments; from the Hatchery Unit in Abeokuta to research facilities in the U.S. How did those experiences shape your approach to conservation and sustainability?
Joshua: Each phase of my journey has deepened my respect for the complexity of ecosystems. Working at the Hatchery Unit during my early years exposed me to the realities of managing aquatic species under controlled conditions. It taught me how small decisions in feeding, water quality, or population management can create large-scale ecological outcomes.
Later, as Assistant Quality Control Manager at Feedall Nigeria Enterprises, I was involved in ensuring production processes met environmental and safety standards. That role made me appreciate the balance between industry and ecology, understanding that sustainability isn’t anti-business, it’s smart business.
Now, as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and researcher at Western Illinois University, I’m fortunate to merge practical fieldwork with academic research. At the Alice L. Kibbe Biological Field Station, I conduct ecological studies that track species interactions in freshwater systems. I’ve also been active in the Fisheries Laboratory, where we assess the ecological impacts of carnivorous fish species and analyze water quality metrics.
These experiences taught me that conservation must evolve with technology and local realities. Whether in rural Nigeria or academic America, the principles remain the same: respect nature’s limits, study its patterns, and innovate around its strengths.
Q3. You’ve transitioned from industry to academia, and now into global environmental research. What lessons have you learned about adaptability and purpose along the way?
Joshua: Adaptability has been the constant thread through every stage of my career. In Nigeria, resources were limited, so you learned to improvise. In the United States, expectations are high, and precision is non-negotiable. Both environments taught me valuable lessons about resilience and focus.
One major takeaway is that purpose should guide every professional move. When I left my role in industry to pursue graduate research, it wasn’t because I was unsure of what I wanted it was because I was clear. I wanted depth. I wanted to contribute to global scientific discussions on biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Another lesson is humility in learning. Transitioning to a new research environment can be overwhelming, but curiosity and collaboration make all the difference. Working with mentors at Western Illinois University has expanded my perspective on data analysis, policy integration, and interdisciplinary research.
Ultimately, adaptability isn’t about changing your goals; it’s about finding new methods to achieve them.
Q4. Your work often sits at the intersection of biodiversity, aquaculture, and sustainability. What projects or research initiatives have been most defining for you?
Joshua: One of the most defining projects I’ve been involved in was during my time at the Alice L. Kibbe Biological Field Station. We examined how different species interact within freshwater habitats, especially focusing on predator-prey dynamics among carnivorous fish. Understanding these relationships helps us design more balanced aquaculture systems and informs local conservation policies.
Another project close to my heart was with the Aquaworld Community Development Initiative in Nigeria. It was grassroots work, centered on promoting ocean health and sustainable resource management within local fishing communities. We engaged schools and local leaders in awareness campaigns about the importance of aquatic biodiversity.
At the academic level, my John E. Warnock Research Scholarship supported my ongoing research on sustainable aquaculture practices, while the ILAFS Diverse Voices Scholarship recognized the role of diversity and inclusion in environmental science.
Each project has been a reminder that innovation isn’t always about new inventions; sometimes it’s about re-imagining traditional knowledge with scientific clarity.
Q5. Winning the TechQuest Biodiversity Innovation Excellence Award 2023 must have been a powerful moment. How did you feel, and what does this recognition mean to you?
Joshua: Honestly, it was both humbling and validating. The TechQuest Awards have become a continental platform for recognizing innovators who are tackling Africa’s biggest challenges through science and technology. To stand among such visionaries was an honor in itself.
When my name was announced, I thought about every late-night lab session, every field trip under the sun, and every setback that became a learning curve. This award wasn’t just about personal achievement it was about what it represents: that young Africans in environmental research are being seen, heard, and celebrated.
It also reaffirms the idea that local actions have global relevance. The biodiversity issues we face in Africa are linked to global environmental systems. So, this recognition is a call to continue bridging that gap to ensure that African research contributes meaningfully to global sustainability conversations.
And on a personal level, it’s a reminder that persistence pays off.
Q6. Sustainability and biodiversity are global conversations, but they require local action. What’s your view on Africa’s role in shaping the future of environmental innovation?
Joshua: Africa is the world’s most biologically diverse continent, and that’s both a gift and a responsibility. Our ecosystems from the Congo Basin to the Niger Delta are treasure troves of life and natural intelligence. Yet, we’re also facing some of the toughest environmental challenges, from deforestation to water pollution.
The good news is that Africa is increasingly becoming a hub for innovation. Young scientists, startups, and social enterprises are emerging with creative solutions in conservation, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture. What we need now is stronger collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and the private sector.
Innovation in Africa doesn’t have to mimic the West. It can grow from our local contexts by integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern science. The TechQuest platform is a perfect example of how recognition can amplify impact. It creates visibility for researchers who might otherwise remain unseen, and it inspires others to join the movement.
I believe Africa’s environmental future will be defined not by what we consume, but by what we conserve and restore.
Q7. Finally, as we look toward TechQuest 2024, what message do you have for young innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs preparing to make their mark?
Joshua: My biggest advice is: start where you are, use what you have, and stay curious. You don’t need a million-dollar lab to make a meaningful impact. What you need is clarity of purpose and consistency.
Every great innovation begins with observation. Pay attention to the problems in your environment, the waste in your community, the declining fish stocks, the loss of forest cover and ask, “What can I do about this?” That question is the seed of innovation.
Also, don’t underestimate collaboration. Science is not a solo act. Work with others, share knowledge, and be open to learning across disciplines. Some of my most rewarding insights came from conversations outside my immediate field.
And finally, remember that awards like TechQuest are not just about recognition they are about belonging to a community that values ideas, evidence, and action. So, if you have an idea that could make the world more sustainable, take that step. Submit your work for TechQuest 2024. You never know how far it might take you.
In conclusion, Joshua Oyeboade’s story captures the essence of what the TechQuest Innovation Awards were designed to celebrate individuals turning knowledge into solutions, passion into purpose, and research into measurable environmental progress.
His journey, from the Hatchery Unit in Abeokuta to advanced ecological research in Illinois, reflects the broader evolution of African science itself, local roots, and global relevance. Each achievement adds a new layer to the continent’s growing narrative of innovation and resilience.
As he prepares for the next phase of his research, Joshua remains a symbol of what the future could look like when science, community, and purpose align. His calm confidence, analytical mind, and clear sense of mission serve as inspiration not only to young scientists but to every dreamer who believes in shaping a more sustainable world.
The TechQuest Biodiversity Innovation Excellence Award 2023 may have marked a milestone for Joshua, but it also signals a broader movement across Africaone driven by young minds transforming research into action.
As the call for entries for TechQuest 2024 opens, innovators across disciplines are invited to step forward. Whether you are working on renewable energy, climate adaptation, digital agriculture, or biodiversity restoration, this is your platform to be seen and supported.
Innovation is not just about invention, it’s about intention. And in that sense, the next Joshua Oyeboade could be anyone willing to care deeply enough to make a difference.
