Professor Adebomi Ayodeji Ikotun of the Chemistry Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, has delivered the institution’s 28th inaugural lecture, calling for improved research infrastructure for chemistry scholars in Nigeria.
At the lecture held recently, Ikotun, a Professor of Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry, presented a paper titled ‘Synthesis from Organic Ligands to Metal-Organic and Organometallic Complexes with Drug Properties – OH Sweet Chemistry.’
During the lecture, she outlined her research interests, which span inorganic and organometallic chemistry, with a focus on synthesising compounds with medicinal applications.
‘My major area of research is in the field of inorganic and organometallic chemistry, centered on synthesis from organic ligands to metal-organic and organometallic complexes, spectroscopic characterization, thermodynamics and kinetic studies, biological and biochemical applications with medicinal implications,’ she said.
Ikotun traced her academic development to the supervision and mentorship of several scholars, including Prof. Julius Adesanwo, Prof. Timothy Odiaka, Prof. Craig Obafemi, and the late Prof. Gabriel Egharevba.
‘As a trained and seasoned chemist, my research were thoroughly supervised by Prof. Julius Adesanwo (1998, B.Sc., OSU), Prof. Timothy Odiaka (2003, M.Sc., Ibadan), Prof. Craig Obafemi (2011, M.Phil, OAU) and the late Prof. Gabriel Egharevba (2011 and 2014; M.Phil and Ph.D respectively, O AU),’ she said.
According to her, some of her early work focused on thermodynamic studies of organometallic systems, while collaborative studies with colleagues at Bowen University and other Nigerian institutions produced findings on metal adsorption from wastewater.
‘We have used common substances in our environments such as plants (leaves, stems and roots) for example Ethiopian pepper, to remove poisonous heavy metals like lead and cadmium, including dyes due to industrial activities, from waste waters. This is an effective dye adsorption technique, which is recommended as an environmentally friendly, cheap clean-up process for industries,’ Ikotun explained.
She also highlighted international collaborations, including work with the late Dr. David Kelly of the Tatem Laboratory at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom, which yielded studies on metal complexes and their antimicrobial properties.
Ikotun said further research partnerships with Dr. Micheal Coogan of Cardiff University and the Gladys Research Group at Texas AandM University in the United States helped expand understanding of isatin, an organic compound found in mammals and some plants.
She noted that the rise of drug-resistant microorganisms has increased the need for more researchers in synthetic and bioinorganic chemistry.
Speaking on challenges facing chemistry research in Nigeria, Ikotun called on government to invest in modern spectroscopic laboratories for researchers.
Professor Ikotun urged the Nigerian government ‘to support research in the field of chemistry by providing funds for Universities and Tertiary institutions strategically located in many states of the country to build, equip with modern spectroscopic facilities and run central laboratories (or centers of excellence) where chemistry researchers can carry out complete analysis of their new compounds without stress.’
She added that such facilities could be developed gradually through phased funding for equipment acquisition.
‘Such spectroscopic empowerment of our Universities and Tertiary Institutions will afford the full laboratory research analysis of new compound and also foster the collaborative relationship between Tertiary Institutions and the Industries,’ she said.
While commending the government for research grants through Tertiary Education Trust Fund, commonly known as TETFUND, Ikotun appealed for broader access to researchers in private universities.
‘I appreciate the Nigerian Government for providing TETFUND for sponsoring meaningful research by researchers within Tertiary Institutions, but I humbly request that the limitations of such benefits be removed from those of us in private Universities since we join hands to mold the lives of our future leaders without prejudice.’
She also encouraged academics to keep pursuing grants and partnerships.
‘Finally, I would like to admonish our colleagues to continue to apply for funding and research collaborations both within and outside the country. Collaborations give more exposure and versatility. I will also encourage them to continue to conduct research that translate to the transformation of lives and our communities,’ she said.