By Ben Ajayi

Samuel Adegboyega, a Nigerian-born scientist conducting advanced research in magnetic materials in the United States, is calling on Nigeria’s government and private sector to commit to aggressive and sustained investment in science education and materials research. He believes the country’s future competitiveness, economic development, and global relevance depend on it.

“No great nation in the world rises without significantly funding education and research,” said Adegboyega, a native of Ogbomoso, who currently researches at Florida State University in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “If we want to stop losing our best brains to the developed nations, we need to create an ecosystem that gives them a reason to stay. That means serious funding—not token grants—and a long-term vision for building our research capacity.”

The academic journey of Adegboyega began in Oyo State, Nigeria, where he attended Ayegun Baptist Primary School (I) and Ogbomoso Baptist High School. He earned his Bachelor of Technology in Pure and Applied Chemistry from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), and a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Ibadan. He later taught chemistry at different levels of education, including serving as a lecturer at LAUTECH.

Now a researcher in Professor Michael Shatruk’s Research Laboratory at Florida State University, Adegboyega focuses on the synthesis and structural tuning of magnetic materials. His work lies at the intersection of solid-state inorganic chemistry and materials science, and involves modifying the electronic and magnetic behavior of compounds for advanced functionality.

Using techniques such as high-temperature flux synthesis, arc melting, and radio frequency induction, Adegboyega develops new solid-state materials and explores how elemental substitution can create exotic magnetic states, he also performs scientific wonders by inducing new structure and magnetic properties on materials using external pressure. Adegboyega’s research is supported by access to advanced instrumentation, including single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX), and magnetic property measurement systems (MPMS) in the Materials Characterization Laboratory of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at Florida State University.

To further investigate his synthesized materials, he is able to access world-class U.S. national laboratories, including the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, for highly sophisticated scientific facilities, gaining exposure to some of the most advanced experimental setups in the field.

In one of their remarkable achievements, Adegboyega and other researchers in Prof. Michael Shatruk’s research lab, in collaboration with another scientist in the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) were the first to report the magnetic and electronic properties of the compound YbMnSi, revealing how its electronic structure influences magnetism. “This work showed that small changes at the atomic level can trigger entirely new magnetic behaviors. That’s the frontier of what materials science can do,” he said.

Adegboyega sees a direct connection between his scientific work and the broader question of Nigeria’s development. He believes Nigeria is uniquely positioned—with vast untapped reserves of raw materials—to lead in materials science research and manufacturing, but only if bold investments are made now.

“We cannot afford to remain raw material suppliers while importing finished technology,” he said. “We need to transition into creators, inventors, and exporters of homegrown technologies. This requires policy reform, private sector engagement, and serious infrastructure for scientific research.”

He notes that materials science is central to every advanced economy, influencing key sectors such as healthcare—with innovations in biomaterials and drug delivery systems; national security—through advanced sensors and defence materials; transportation and communication—via magnetics and semiconductors; and energy—highlighted by developments in magnetic refrigeration and battery technologies. “This isn’t just about economic growth—it’s about national sustainability and independence,” he added.

A major theme in Adegboyega’s advocacy is the persistent brain drain from Nigeria to the Advanced nations. “Being in an environment where science is taken seriously—where researchers have the tools they need—has shown me what’s possible. It’s also made it painfully clear how far behind we are, not because we lack talent, but because we lack systems to support it.”

He argues that even the most brilliant scientists in Nigeria face near-insurmountable barriers: lack of access to equipment, poor research infrastructure, and limited government and private-sector support.
“Our researchers’ efforts are like needles in the ocean. Without coordinated support, we can’t scale innovation to make a national impact.”

According to Adegboyega, the solution is a coordinated national strategy that prioritizes investment in science and education—particularly in materials science. He urges both government and established industries to step forward with funding, mentorship platforms, and industrial partnerships.

“This is a critical moment. Nigeria must decide whether it wants to be a consumer or a creator. We have natural resources. What we need now is the will to innovate.”

He concludes with a message to young Nigerian scientists and policy makers alike:“We only get one life. Young people in Nigeria deserve the chance to do something extraordinary with theirs. Science can be that opportunity—if we give it the attention and investment it deserves.”