Onuminya Innocent
Chemists in Nigeria have called for the adoption of green chemistry principles and sustainable practices to drive national growth and innovation.
This call was made at the 11th Annual Symposium of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Nigeria Chapter, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a significant push for sustainable growth, participants at the symposium collectively emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to leverage chemistry and emerging technologies to address pressing global issues, particularly climate change, environmental sustainability, energy security, and public health.
Prof. Ganiyat Oloyede, Chairman Local Organising Committee, welcomed participants to Ibadan and highlighted the city’s rich academic heritage.
She expressed appreciation to the ACS Nigeria International Chapter for granting the University of Ibadan the hosting rights for this year’s edition and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges.
Prof. Edu J. Inam, Chairperson of ACS Nigeria, noted that the symposium theme was carefully chosen to explore new pathways through which chemistry can address pressing global issues, particularly climate change, environmental sustainability, energy security, and public health. She called for innovative thinking, rigorous interrogation of knowledge, and the translation of ideas into actionable solutions.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN), represented by Dr. Stella C. Igwilo, emphasised the pivotal role of chemistry in Nigeria’s sustainable development.
He expressed concern over the country’s limited progress in chemical technology and value-addition processes despite abundant natural resources and outlined a three-pronged strategy to address this gap: strengthening local content and value addition, increasing strategic investment in research and development, and promoting green chemistry and sustainable practices.
The symposium featured keynote and plenary lectures highlighting cutting-edge developments in sustainable and translational chemistry.
Prof. Franklin Aigbirhio of the University of Cambridge, UK, discussed the development and application of novel radiopharmaceuticals for Positron Emission Tomography (PET), emphasising their potential for early disease detection and treatment monitoring. Dr. Nevila Jana of MCPHS University, USA, presented a collaborative approach to malaria research, underscoring the value of interdisciplinary learning and problem-solving.
Dr. Mary Anti Chama from the University of Ghana emphasised sustainable chemical practices, including green chemistry, renewable energy integration, and waste valorisation. Additional presentations included Dr. Martins S. Oderinde of Bristol Myers Squibb, USA, who explored photocatalysis as a powerful tool for sustainable organic synthesis, and Dr. Femi F. Oloye of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, USA, who delivered a keynote lecture on catalysts and their industrial relevance.
A panel session examined Green Chemistry and Sustainable Environmental Technologies, balancing innovation, profitability, and societal impact. A workshop on effective academic publishing provided participants with training in research writing, peer review, and publishing ethics.
The symposium also honoured outstanding contributions to STEM research, education, and sustainable chemistry, with awards presented to Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Chief Dotun Sanusi, Engr. Bolarinwa Olowe James, Chief Saheed Oladele, and Prof. Oyewusi Gureje.
Participants issued several recommendations, including strengthening research infrastructure, promoting industry-academia partnerships, and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy solutions. The symposium highlighted the importance of collaborative action in translating scientific research into practical solutions for a sustainable Nigeria.
The ACS Nigeria Chapter is committed to promoting chemistry and its applications in addressing global challenges. The symposium served as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation, contributing to the advancement of sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.
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