By Success Amadiga

In 2010, while completing his engineering degree at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Olufikayo Amusan co-authored a peer-reviewed study published in the Transnational Journal of Science and Technology.

The paper explored how biodiesel could be produced from Jatropha Curcas seeds using an in-situ technique, addressing a pressing question in sustainable energy: how to generate renewable fuel from non-food crops without competing with food resources.

What made the project distinctive was its rigorous use of data modeling and experimental design. Employing a central composite experimental framework and a cubic quadratic predictive model, the team demonstrated how statistical analytics could optimize fuel production. Their model achieved an R² of 0.939, proving highly reliable, and revealed that a catalyst dosage of 1.01 g/g produced biodiesel that met international quality standards.

For Amusan, the research instilled a principle that has defined his professional journey: analytical precision can balance yield, quality, and cost to achieve scalable impact. Today, that principle is reflected in his work in the financial services and insurance industries, where he applies data analytics, process engineering, and strategy to modernize business operations and improve operational performance.

Since leaving academia, Amusan has taken on critical roles in financial services and insurance organizations across Nigeria and the United States, leading digital transformation, enterprise strategy, and business process modernization. His ability to translate technical research into large-scale business improvements has earned him multiple competitive recognitions including the Chairman’s Silver Award for Professionalism at FirstInsurance Brokers – a leading provider of insurance brokerage services in Nigeria and a wholly owned subsidiary of First Holding Co Plc – one of the largest financial services organizations in Africa.

As industries worldwide embrace artificial intelligence, sustainability, and data-driven transformation, Amusan’s story illustrates the deep connection between the discipline of scientific research and the demands of business leadership. His early work on biodiesel remains a reminder that transforming empirical data into actionable insight is what fuels innovation – whether powering engines or powering enterprises.