Two brothers obtain the same doctoral qualification

Three years after graduating alongside his older brother at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Oluwasegun Chijioke Adekoya has followed in his footsteps by becoming a doctoral graduate in Polymer Engineering.

Dr Oluwasegun Adekoya with his older brother, Dr Gbolahan Adekoya. Oluwasegun received his Doctor of Engineering in Polymer Engineering during the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment's (FEBE) Spring Graduation on 13 October 2026. His older brother, Gbolahan Joseph Adekoya, obtained his doctorate in 2023 and is now a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.

When the brothers graduated together in October 2023, Gbolahan received his doctorate, while Oluwasegun earned his master’s degree cum laude. At the time, the younger brother had his sights set on a doctorate of his own.

“Watching Dr Joseph (Gbolahan) receive his doctorate while I graduated with my master's degree cum laude was a very special moment. I was proud of him, and his achievement strengthened my own desire to pursue a doctorate,” Oluwasegun recalled.

“To now hold a doctorate in the same field, from the same university, and with the guidance of the same mentors is particularly meaningful.”

His doctoral research, titled “Quantum-Driven In-Silico Design of PEGylated Graphene Oxide Nanocarriers for Enhanced Delivery of Antiviral and Antimalarial Drugs,” investigated how computational modelling could contribute to developing materials for drug delivery.

Using density functional theory and computer simulations, he studied how engineered nanoscale materials interact with selected antiviral and antimalarial medicines, including favipiravir, 4’-fluorouridine and mefloquine.

“My background in medical laboratory science made me interested in the relationship between scientific research and healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of research in responding to health challenges,” he explained.

Dr Oluwasegun Chijioke Adekoya graduated with a Doctor of Engineering in Polymer Engineering. He hopes his findings will help guide future research into polymer-based drug-delivery systems.

Oluwasegun’s academic journey began with a Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology from Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science from the University of Nigeria.

His achievements include the 2022 TUT Full-Time Postgraduate Scholarship, the Prof Sabu Thomas Best PG/PhD Thesis Award for 2022–2023, and faculty excellence awards in 2023.

Since completing his Master’s degree, he has published research in journals including Nano Select, Advanced Theory and Simulations and Small. He also presented at international conferences in Edinburgh and London, received first place for his doctoral poster presentation at TUT’s Faculty Research Day in 2024, and secured a National Research Foundation Knowledge Interchange and Collaboration grant for 2025/26.

“Receiving first place for my doctoral poster presentation at FEBE Faculty Research Day was particularly encouraging because it recognised work that was still developing,” he said.

He credited his supervisors, Prof Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku and Prof Yskandar Hamam, for their guidance and encouragement throughout his studies.

For Gbolahan, whose doctoral research focused on polymer nanocomposites for automotive energy storage, his younger brother’s achievement is a proud moment for the family.

“Having gone through the doctoral journey myself, I understand the commitment, patience and sacrifices it requires, so I appreciate what this achievement means to him and our family. To have both of us attain doctoral qualifications in the same field at TUT is a special family milestone,” he said.

The brothers also credit their mother for the sacrifices, prayers and financial support that helped them pursue their education.

“My mother has played a very important role in everything my brother and I have achieved. Knowing that she believed in us and continued to pray for us gave us strength to keep going,” Oluwasegun said.

“This achievement belongs to our family in many ways because we did not get here on our own.”

Looking ahead, Oluwasegun hopes to pursue postdoctoral research in computational materials science, nanomedicine, and polymer-based drug delivery systems.

“For me, graduation is not the end of the journey; it is an opportunity to build on what I have learnt and continue contributing to science,” he said.