Staff Profile

Stephen Agwuncha

Research Interests

  • Material characterization
  • Polymer processing
  • Environmental analysis
  • Composites and nanocellulose modification

Stephen Chinenyeze Agwuncha

Lecturer I

Dr. Stephen Agwuncha is a lecturer, a researcher and a fulbright scholar, who currently works with Federal University Lokoja. His research interests are in eco-friendly biodegradable materials for sustainable development. 

Dr. Stephen started his educational career with the Federal University of Technology, where he obtained a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Chemistry with a major in Polymer Science. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan for his master’s degree, which he obtained in 2008 in the area of Environmental Chemistry and Pollution Control. In 2015, he obtained his Doctoral degree in Polymer Technology from Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa. His research thesis was on developing environmentally friendly nanocomposite materials for packaging purposes. His work succeeded in developing toughened PLA/PCL/natural fiber nanocomposites with improved biodegradability. The results of this work was presented in different international conferences and published in high impact journals. 

Dr. Stephen has authored and co-authored a number of book chapters, journal and conference papers. He has attended various short courses, trainings and conferences, both locally and internationally. He is a registered member of different professional bodies and an expert in material characterization. He has also work in various technical and professional committees. 

 



  • Owonubi, S.J., Agwuncha, S.C., Malima, N.M., Shombe, G.B., Makhatha, E.M. & Revaprasadu, N. (2021). A review of the extraction of nanocellulose particles from non-woody biomass sources. Frontiers in Energy Research, 9:132

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Okechukwu, C. & Makhatha, E.M. (2021). Compositional Characteristic and quantification of household solid wastes from Lapai town, Nigeria. Waste Management.. Submitted

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Owonubi, S.J., Fapojuwo, D.P., Abdulkarim, A., Okonkwo, T.P. and Makhatha, E.M. (2021). Evaluation of mercerization treatment conditions on extracted cellulose from Shea nut shell Using FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis.. Materials today: proceedings, June 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.05.473.

  • Owonubi, S.J., Agwuncha, S.C., Malima, N., Sadiku, R.E. & Revaprasadu, N. (2021). Development of bacterial resistant acrylamide-polyvinylpyrrolidone-metal oxide hydrogel nanocomposites.. Materials today: proceedings, June 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.05.502.

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Owonubi, S.J., Makhatha, E.M. & Revaprasadu, N. (2020). Fully biodegradable cellulose nanoparticles based advanced materials.. In: Cellulose Nanoparticles: Materials Synthesis and Manufacturing, Eds: Thakur, V.K., Frollini, E. & Scott, J. RSC, UK, Accepted for publication

  • Owonubi, S.J., Agwuncha, S.C., Makhatha, E.M. & Revaprasadu, N. (2020). Engineering and surface modification of cellulose nanoparticles and their characterization.. In: Cellulose Nanoparticles: Materials Synthesis and Manufacturing, Eds: Thakur, V.K., Frollini, E. & Scott, J. RSC, UK, Accepted for publication

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Sallau, O.R., Usman, H.B., Musa, D.A. & Olubadewo-Joshua, O. (2020). Perception of small-holder farmers towards pesticide use: a case study of niger state, Nigeria.. Academia journal of Environment Science, Accepted for publication

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Abdulkarim, A., Okonkwo, T.P. & Adepoju, K.M. (2019). Effect of sample mass and treatment time on the modification of Vitellaria paradoxa nut shell. 18th Nigerian International Congress (NIMACON 2019),. University of Ilorin, Nigeria, 18 -22 November, 2019

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Okonkwo, T.P., Muhammed, A., Okechukwu, C. & Ibrahim, A. (2019). Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Shea (Vitellaria paradoxsa) nut shell.1st Faculty of Natural Sciences Annual Conference (FONSAC 2019). Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria. 6th – 9th May, 2019.

  • Chukwu, F., Muhammad, H.I., Agwuncha, S.C. & Abdulkareem, A. (2019). Morphological Characterization of Acid-modified Native Clay obtained from Niger State. 1st Faculty of Natural Sciences Annual Conference (FONSAC 2019). Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria. 6th – 9th May, 2019

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Anusionwu, C.G., Owonubi, S.J., Sadiku, E.R., Busuguma, A.U. & Ibrahim, I.D. (2019). Extraction of cellulose nanofibers and their eco-friendly polymer composites.. In: Sustainable Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites. Eds: Inamuddin, A.M. & Abdullah, A. Springer Nature, Switzerland. Pg: 37 - 64.

  • Owonubi, S.J., Agwuncha, S.C., Anusionwu, C.G., Revaprasadu, N. & Sadiku, R.E. (2019). Fiber-Matrix Relationship for Composites Preparation.. In: Renewable and Sustainable Composites. Eds: Pereira, A.B. & Fernandes F.A.O. IntechOpen. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.84753

  • Owonubi, S.J., Agwuncha, S.C., Anusionwu, C.G., Revaprasadu, N. & Sadiku, R.E. (2019). Improving the Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Composites for Structural and Biomedical Applications.. In: Renewable and Sustainable Composites. Eds: Pereira, A.B. & Fernandes F.A.O. IntechOpen. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.85252

  • Daramola, O.O., Olajide, J.L., Agwuncha, S.C., Mochane, M. & Sadiku, R.E. (2019). Chapter 7: Nanostructured Green Biopolymer Composites for Orthopedic Application.. In: Green Biopolymer Composites. Ed: Dhorali. G. Springer, Singapore, 159-190.

  • Sadiku, E.R., Agboola, O., Ibrahim, I.D., Avabaram, B.R., Bandla, M., Kupolati, W.K., Tippabattini, J., Varaprasad, K., Areo, K.A., Agwuncha, S.C., et al. (2019). Biological, Biomedical and Medical applications of graphene and graphene-based materials (G-bMs),. In: Handbook on the Graphene Materials, Eds: Edvige, C., Alexander, N. C., Tobias, S. M., Cengiz, O., Cengiz, O., Umit, O., Barbara, P. & Sulaiman W. H., WILEY-Scrivener Publisher, USA, Vol. 1, Pg: 1-14.

  • Sadiku, E.R., Agboola, O., Ibrahim, I.D., Avabaram, B.R., Bandla, M., Mabalane, P.N., Kupolati, W.K., Tippabattini, J., Varaprasad, K., Areo, K.A., Uwa, C.A., Eze, A.G., Agwuncha, S.C., et al. (2019). Synthesis of Bio-Based and Eco-Friendly Nanomaterials for Medical and BioMedical Applications.. In: Green Biopolymers and their Nanocomposites. Materials Horizons: From Nature to Nanomaterials. Ed: Gnanasekaran D. Springer, Singapore, pg. 283-312.

  • Azeh, Y., Paiko, Y.B., Agwuncha, S.C., Abubakar, A.Y., Saliu, O.D., Umar, M., Muhammad, U.B. & Babatunde, G. Polymer Composite Film Based on Polyethylene and Organoclay. Asian J. Mat. Chem., 4(1-2): 7-13. DOI:10.14233/ajmc.2019.AJMC-P72. (2019). Polymer Composite Film Based on Polyethylene and Organoclay.. Asian J. Mat. Chem., 4(1-2): 7-13. DOI:10.14233/ajmc.2019.AJMC-P72.

  • Adedoyin, V.A., Muhammad, H.I., Agwuncha, S.C. & Anusionwu, C.G. (2018). Phytoremediation potential of Hyptis suaveolens and Euphorbia hirta weed plants.. Analitika 2018, Mookgophong, Limpopo South Africa. 22nd – 25th July, 2018.

  • Sadiku, E.R., Agboola, O., Ibrahim, I.D., Avabaram, B.R., Bandla, Kupolati, W.K., Tippabattini, J., Varaprasad, K., Areo, K.A., Agwuncha, S.C., et al. (2018). Nanotechnology in Paints and Coatings.. In: Advanced Coating Materials, Eds:Liang, L. & Qing, Y. WILEY-Scrivener Publisher, USA, Pg:177-234.

  • Ibrahim, I.D., Jamiru, T., Sadiku, E.R., Kupolati, W.K. & Agwuncha, S.C (2017). Dependency of the mechanical properties of sisal fiber reinforced recycled polypropylene composites on fiber surface treatment, fiber content and nanoclay.. J. Polym. Environ. Vol. 25(2): 427-434

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Sadiku, E.R., Ibrahim, I.D., Aderibigbe, B.A., Owonubi, S.J., Oborien, B. & Ray, S.S. (2017). Chapter 6: Poly (Lactic Acid) Biopolymer Composites and Nanocomposites for Biomedicals and Biopackaging Applications, in the book: Handbook of Composite from Renewable Materials: Nanocomposites: Advanced Applications, Eds: Thakur, V.K., Thakur, M.K. & Kessler, M.R. Wiley-Scrivener, New Jersey, vol. 8, page 135-170.. Advanced Applications, Eds: Thakur, V.K., Thakur, M.K. & Kessler, M.R. Wiley-Scrivener, New Jersey, vol. 8, page 135-170.

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Ibrahim, I.D. & Sadiku, E.R. (2017). Chapter 14- Improving the thermal and flame resistance properties of polyolefins.. In: Polyolefin fibres: Structure, Properties and Industrial Applications, Second Edition. Ed: Ugbolue S.C. Elsevier-Woodhead publishing, UK, page 421 – 447.

  • Owonubi, S.J., Agwuncha, S.C., Mukwevho, E., Aderibigbe, B.A., Sadiku, E.R., Biotidara, O.F. & Varaprasad, K. (2017). Chapter 6: Application of Hydrogel Biocomposites for Multiple Drug Delivery, in the book:. Handbook of Composites from Renewable Materials, Polymeric Composites, Eds: V. K. Thakur, M. K. Thakur and M. R. Kessler, Wiley-Scrivener, New Jersey, vol. 6, page 139-166.

  • Owonubi, S.J., Agwuncha, S.C., Fasiku, V.O., Mukwevho, E, Aderibigbe, B.A., Sadiku, E.R. & Bezuidenhout, D. (2017). Chapter 17: Biomedical application of polyolefins.. In: Polyolefin fibres: Structure, Properties and Industrial Applications, Second Edition. Ed: Ugbolue S.C. Elsevier-Woodhead publishing, UK, page 517 – 529.

  • Ibrahim, I.D., Sadiku, E.R., Jamiru, T., Kupolati, W.K., Agwuncha, S.C., Fasiku, V.O., Khoathane, M.C., Mhike, W., et al. (2017). Chapter 3 – Hybrid natural/synthetic fiber biocomposites.. In: Biocomposites, properties, performance and applications. Ed: A. Shahzad, Nova Science Publishers, Inc. New York, page 27 – 54.

  • Ibrahim, I.D., Agwuncha, S.C., Sadiku, E.R., Jamiru, T., Adekomaya, O.S., Kupolati, W.K., Agboola, O., Fasiku, V.O., Owonubi, S.J., et al. (2017). Chapter 10 – Surface treatment of natural fibers, their effects on properties and the performance of composites.. In: Biocomposites, properties, performance and applications. Ed: A. Shahzad, Nova Science Publishers, Inc. New York, page 161 – 186.

  • Sadiku, R.E., Ibrahim, I.D., Agboola, O., Owonubi, S.J., Fasiku, V.O., Kupolati, W.K., Jamiru, T, Eze, A.A., Adekomaya, O.S., Varaprasad, K., Agwuncha, S.C., et al. (2017). Chapter 15 - Automotive components composed of polyolefins,. In: Polyolefin Fibres-Structure, Properties and Industrial Applications, 2017, editor: SCO Ugbolue, Elsevier Publishers, page 449-496, ISBN: 978-0-08-101132-4 (print), ISBN: 978-0-08-101251-2 (online)

  • Ibrahim, I.D., Sadiku, R.E., Jamiru, T., Kupolati, W.K., Agwuncha, S.C., et al. (2017). Chapter 3 - Hybrid Natural/Synthetic Fiber Biocomposites,. In: Biocomposites: Properties, Performance and Applications, 2017, editor: Asim Shahzad, Nova Science Publishers, page 27-51, ISBN: 978-1-53612-145-2

  • Daramola, O.O., Oladele, I.O., Adewuyi, B.O., Sadiku, E.R. & Agwuncha, S.C. (2016). Thermal, Structural and morphological properties of ternary blends of high density polyethylene, submicron agro waste silica particles and titania particles. J.. Taibah University of Science, Vol. 11(4):645 – 653

  • Amadi, A.N., Soliu, A.A., Agwuncha, S.C., Nwankwoala, H.O., Nwakife, C.N. & Shaibu, I. (2016). Analytical studies on surface and groundwater in Zungeru, Nigeria State, North-central Nigeria.. Development Journal of Science and Technology Research, Vol. 5(2):73 – 80.

  • Amadi, A.N., Olasehinde, P.I., Agwuncha, S.C., Nwankwoala, H.O., Shaibu, I. & Okoye, N.O. (2016). Investigating the quality status of groundwater in parts of eastern Niger Delta for irrigation purposes,. Development Journal of Science and Technology Research, Vol. 5(2):81 – 91.

  • Ibrahim, I.D., Jamiru, T., Sadiku, E.R., Kupolati, W.K. & Agwuncha, S.C (2016). .Impact of surface modification and nanoparticle on sisal fiber reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites. . J. Nanaotechnology.

  • Azeh, Y., Olatunji, G.A., Mohammad, Y.S., Agwuncha, S.C., Abubakar, A., Damilare, O.S. & Tanko, U.M (2016). .Application of Ft-Ir and Scanning Electron Microscopy for Characterization of Modified Nanoclay Using Selected Amino Acids.. Lapai Journal of Applied and Natural Sciences Vol 1(1): 111 – 119

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Owonubi, S.J., Sadiku, E.R., Zwane, R.D.S., Majula, B., Jayaramudu, J., Ojijo, V.O., Aderibigbe, B.A., Raghavendra, G.M. (2016). Chapter 11. Immiscible Polymer Blends Stabilized With Nanophase.. In: “Design and Applications of Nanostructured Polymer Blend and Nanocomposites Systems”, Editors: Sabu Thomas, Robert Shanks and Sarathchandran Chandrasekharakurp, Elsevier. Pp:215-238

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Owonubi, S.J., Sadiku, E.R., Varaprasad, K., Ray, S.S., Periyar Selvam, S., Shittu, T.A., Shanavas, A., Mukwevho, E. (2016). Chapter 14. Crystallization and Morphological Changes in Nanostructured Polymer Blends,. In: “Design and Applications of Nanostructured Polymer Blend and Nanocomposites Systems”, Editors: Sabu Thomas, Robert Shanks and Sarathchandran Chandrasekharakurp, Publishers: Elsevier. Pp:287-312.

  • Ibrahim, I.D., Jamiru, T., Sadiku, E.R., Kupolati, W.K., Agwuncha, S.C. & Ekundayo, G. (2016). Mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced polymer composite: a review.. Composite Interfaces. 23(1):15-36.

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Ray, S.S., Jayaramadu, J., Khoathane, M.C. & Sadiku, E.R. (2015). Influence of Boehmite Nanoparticle Loading On The Mechanical, Thermal And Rheological Properties Of Biodegradable Polylactide/Poly(ε-caprolactone) Blends.. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 300:31-47

  • Daramola, O.O., Oladele, I.O., Adewuyi, B.O., Sadiku, E.R. & Agwuncha, S.C. (2015). Influence of submicron agro waste silica particles and vinyl acetate on mechanical properties of high density polyethylene matrix composites.. West Indian Journal of Engineering. 38(1):96-107.

  • Ibrahim, I.D., Jamiru, T., Sadiku, E.R., Kupolati, W.K., Agwuncha, S.C. & Ekundayo, G. (2015). The use of polypropylene in bamboo fibre composites and their mechanical properties – A review.. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites. 34(16) 1347–1356.

  • Jayaramudu, J., Agwuncha, S.C., Ray, S.S., Sadiku, E.R., & Varada Rajulu, A. (2015). Studies on the chemical resistance And mechanical properties of natural polyalthia cerasoides woven fabric/glass hybridized epoxy composites.. Advanced Materials Letters, 6(2):114-119

  • Aderibigbe, B.A., Varaprasad, K., Sadiku, E.R., Ray, S.S., Mbianda, X.Y., Fotsing, M.C., Owonubi, S.J. & Agwuncha, S.C. (2015). The synthesis, characterization and the Kinetics release studies of a nitrogen bisphosphonate from gum acacia containing hydrogel.. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 73:115-123

  • Aderibigbe, B.A., Sadiku, E.R., Ray, S.S., Mbianda, X.Y., Fotsing, M.C., Agwuncha, S.C. & Owonubi, S.J. (2015). Synthesis and Characterization Of polyamidoamine conjugates of neridronic acid.. Polymer Bulletin, 72(3):417-439

  • Daramola, O.O., Oladele, I.O., Adewuyi, B.O., Sadiku, E.R. & Agwuncha, S.C. (). (2015). Influence of submicron agro waste silica particles and vinyl acetate on mechanical properties of high density polyethylene matrix composites.. West Indian Journal of Engineering. 38(1):96-107.

  • Khoathane, M.C., Sadiku, E.R. & Agwuncha, S.C. (2015). Chapter 14- Surface Modification of Natural Fiber Composites and Their Potential Applications.. In: Surface Modification of Biopolymers. Eds: VK Thakur and AS Singha. Surface Modification of Bipolymers. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. USA. Pp:370-400

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Sadiku, E.R. & Ray, S.S. (2014). Preparation and characterization of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε-caprolactone)/Boehmite ternary composites.. South African Nanotechnology Initiative (SANI) 5th international conference on nanoscience and nanotechnology.Vanderbijlpark. 30 March – 02 April, 2014

  • Fatoba, O.S., Bodude, M.A., Akanji, O.L., Adamson, I.O. & Agwuncha, S.C. (2013). The suitability of seashell, animal bone and sodium carbonate as energizers in case carburization of Mild Steel. J.. Basic & Applied Sciences, 9:578-586.

  • Adisa, M.J., Agwuncha, S.C. & Mohammed, G.F (2013). Physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses of underground water in lapai town.. Dev’t J. Sci. and Tech. Res. Vol. 2 No. 1,197 – 202

  • Egwaikhide, P.A, Agwuncha, S.C. & Adesina, O.G. (2012). Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Compounds Filled with Carbonized Palm Kennel Husk and Carbon Black.. Book of Proceeding, Chemical Science of Nigeria International Conference Workshop & Exhibition. Volume 2: 366-373.d Palm Kennel Husk and Carbon Black. Book of Proceeding, Chemical Science of Nigeria International Conference Workshop & Exhibition.Volume 2: 366-373.

  • Agwuncha, S.C., Anusionwu, C.G. Adesina, O.G. & Tukur, B (2012). Evaluating the Effect of Socio-economic Activities of Katcha Town on Yaba River.. Chemical Science of Nigeria International Conference Workshop & Exhibition.Volume 1: 105- 112.

  • Agwuncha, S.C. & Ande, S. (2011). Health Impact of Orita Aperin Dumpsite on groundwater and its implication on the public.. International Journal of Pure and Applied Science. Vol. 4(1): 31 – 35.

  • Iyaka, Y.A., Agwuncha, S.C. & Yahaya, M.D. (2009). Lead (Pb) Contents in some Cereal Grains from Niger State.. Journal of Scientific and Industrial Studies. Vol 7(1) pp 87 - 90.


  • 2020 University of Johannesburg GES 4th industrial revolution award
  • 2020 Fulbright visiting scholar program
  • 2020 GES fellowship award
  • 2018 TETFund IBR award
  • 2016 TETFund IBR
  • 2016 RSC/GSK/GC-MS shortlist
  • 2001 Dean’s List for academic excellence
  • 2000 Dean’s List for academic excellence
  • 1999 Dean’s List for academic excellence

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  1. GOOGLE SCHOLAR:https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_eErbhwAAAAJ&hl=en
  2. Orcid.org:https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8325-5644
  3. researchgate:https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stephen-Agwuncha

Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

Call: +2348064925561