By Dayo Johnson Akure

Former Agriculture Commissioner in Ogun State, Dr. Adeola Odedina, has advised Nigerian researchers to think beyond journals and textbooks and explore ways to make their discoveries profitable.

Odedina, who is a scientist, lamented that ” too many researchers focus only on academic publications and conferences while missing opportunities to apply their work for personal and economic benefit.

He said that it was high time for Nigeria “scientists begin turning their research findings into real financial gain.

‎According to him, monetising research does not diminish academic credibility, on the contrary, it strengthens a scientist’s practical relevance and influence.
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‎He highlighted that practical application of research results can solve real-world problems while providing income for the researcher.
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‎Odedina advised scientists to be resilient in the face of challenges such as eviction, lack of land, or resistance from institutions.
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‎ “My advice to early- and mid-career scientists, even senior scientists who are still active, is to also strive to work out ways by which they can also be beneficiaries of their own research and improve their lot in life.
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‎” There will always be challenges; be it eviction, abuse, or even forceful takeover; please look for an alternative place to play your game, it’s legal.

“There’s nothing wrong if one contributes to knowledge and also contributes to one’s pot of soup and bank account.”
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‎Giving his life experience, Odedina disclosed that he and his family had travelled at their own expense to present cassava research at international conferences in Germany and South Africa.
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‎His findings on improving cassava yields, according to him were initially met with disbelief, but he applied the methods on his own farm and achieved results far above the African average, proving the research’s value.
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‎Odedina later expanded into large-scale cassava stem production, becoming a leading supplier to processing companies and earning multiple Best Farmer awards for his innovative approach.
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‎He said that his success eventually opened doors to international consultancy roles, including with USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where he helped farmers across Africa improve productivity while continuing to manage and grow his own farms.
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‎Through his experience, Odedina said researchers can see firsthand that it is possible to contribute to knowledge while also generating tangible income and improving personal and family livelihoods.
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‎He called on early, young and senior-career scientists alike to seek opportunities that benefit both society and themselves.
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‎Odedina encouraged researchers to combine innovation with entrepreneurship, ensuring that discoveries lead to tangible improvements in their lives.
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‎The scientist emphasised that Nigeria’s research sector would thrive when researchers view their work as both knowledge and an economic asset.
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‎While asking them to allow their research work for them as well as for the society, he called for a mindset where science and personal prosperity go hand in hand.