Stakeholders Honour STEM Leaders, Seek Research Reform

Excellence took the centre stage at the 11th annual symposium of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter, as scientists, education advocates and industry leaders were honoured for their contributions to the advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and sustainable chemistry.

The event, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan (UI), celebrated individuals whose work had shaped research, innovation and science education in Nigeria.

Among those recognised were Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Chief Dotun Sanusi, Engr. Bolarinwa Olowe James, Chief Saheed Oladele and Prof. Oyewusi Gureje.

The chairman of ACS Nigeria, Prof. Edu J. Inam, said the awards underscore the chapter’s commitment to celebrating leadership, impact and service in science.

She noted that Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development depends heavily on visionary leadership and consistent investment in human capital.

“These recognitions are not just ceremonial,” she said. “They highlight the transformative power of science when knowledge is translated into real-world solutions.”

Speakers at the symposium emphasised that honouring excellence must go hand in hand with reforming Nigeria’s research ecosystem.

The participants called for stronger institutional support, expanded mentorship for young scientists and closer ties between academia and industry to accelerate innovation.

The minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN), represented by Dr Stella C. Igwilo, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s science and innovation framework.

He urged professional bodies like ACS Nigeria to serve as technical partners in shaping policy, setting standards and validating emerging technologies.

Beyond the accolades, the message from Ibadan was clear: celebrating scientific leadership is essential—but building a system that sustains it is even more critical.