By Chioma Onuegbu Uyo

SCIENTISTS under the aegis of American Chemical Society, ACS, Nigeria chapter and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, have emphasized the need for the commercialization of innovative research results for the benefit of the larger society.

Some of them spoke in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital at the 8th Symposium of American Chemical Society, ACS, Nigeria chapter, with the theme, “Innovation in chemical sciences: From discovery to commercialization'”.

Speaking, Professor Gloria Obuzor, the first female president of Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), who is currently President, Federation of African Societies of Chemistry (FASC), regretted that efforts at commercializing research innovations in Nigeria were being hindered by factors such as equipment and pure raw materials.

Her words: “In Nigeria, so far we have not been able to turn paper work to product. But Chemists are trying. Also young Chemists who we call ‘Early Career chemists are trying. And we the older ones are doing our best to encourage, and mentor them on innovation commercialization and as much as possible show them the way.

“There is joy when you are able to commercialize your own innovation. It helps the local environment. It also has multiplier effect, because when you have a product , the profit improves you , those around you, and even your locality.

“Commercialization does not mean you have to start very big. Just as the saying goes, “A journey of a thousand mile begins with a step’. We are saying whatever they are able to achieve research-wise, they can turn it into products”

The Keynote speaker , Professor Javier Garcia Martinez of University of Alicante, Spain, & President of IUPAC, said it became important that universities emphasize the importance of commercialization of discoveries in chemical sciences.

Garcia-Martinez who spoke virtually expressed delight with the theme of the 2023 symposium and congratulated the International Younger Chemists Network (IYCN) and other organizations for the wonderful work they are doing to promote Chemical sciences.

“I am also glad to see many young people in the audience. We need to advance chemical sciences. Change is all about people and education is the way forward.

“It is very important that we have in the future more young people, more Chemical scientists that share a career both in the academia and in the industry. In order for the circular economy to become a reality, Chemistry must evolve towards being the science and industry of reuse”, Martinez advised.

Similarly in her paper presentation entitled: “Is commercialization of Innovative research really, really that important in the academia?
. Professor Ruth Adelagun, highlighted the relevance, benefits and processes of engaging in innovative practices.

The Professor, of Environmental Chemistry and Director, Centre for Gender studies, Federal University Wukari, added that there was need to translate innovations by commercializing research results instead of stopping at just paper publication,which according to her, ” is the normal, usual and common practice among researchers”.

She stressed the importance of collaboration between innovation and commercialization, vis a vis University- industry knowledge transfer, adding, “Whatever achievement is made in the academia it is only through commercialization that it can be of benefit to the larger society”,

While welcoming everyone to the annual event, earlier, the Chairman of ACS, Nigeria chapter, Professor Joshua Obaleye noted:”This year’s event started with a pre-symposium called “Early Career scientists and students workshop”, held virtually on May 30, 2023.

“It promises to be a harvest of intellectual discourse and objective feedbacks that will propel us as chemical scientists to embrace entrepreneurial thinking in research commercialization”

The 4-day Symposium also witnessed the recognition of some Chemists for their outstanding contributions towards the development of Chemical scientific world.

The awardees in the chemists category were Professor Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor University of Ibadan(UI), Emeritus Prof Gabriel Ogunmola , Chancellor and past Chairman Board of Trustees, Lead City University, Ibadan, Professor Gloria Obuzor, President Federation of African Societies of Chemistry (FASC, , Dr. Iniobong Ogbonna, Snr QHSE Manager, Brass Petrochemical Company Victoria Island Lagos, and Mrs. Ekanem Ofoegbu, Manager, Planning and Commercial NNPC, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo(UNIUYO) Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo was the only qualified nominee for the Education category while Jubilee Syringe Company in Onna LGA of Akwa Ibom State, Bayer crop Science, United States and Shell Petroluem Development Company, Rivers State were awardees for the Industry category.

The symposium also witnessed participation of studentst from Ritman University Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, University of Uyo, (UNIUYO) , Federal University of Agriculture Markudi, Benue State, National Open University of Nigeria, Ibadan,Oyo State; University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, among few others.