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

Speaking in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the first female President, Chemical Society of Nigeria, and current President, Federation of African Societies of Chemistry, Professor Gloria Obuzor said there is joy when you can commercialise your own innovative ideas.

She stated this on Monday during the American Chemical Society’s 8th annual symposium held at Watbridge Hotels and Towers with the theme, “Innovation in Chemical Sciences: From Discovery to Commercialisation’.

Obuzor lamented that efforts at commercialising research innovations in Nigeria were being hindered by factors such as equipment.

She said: “In Nigeria, so far we have not been able to turn paperwork 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 commercialisation and as much as possible show them the way.

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

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

In his remarks, keynote speaker, Professor Javier Garcia-Martinez of the University of Alicante, Spain, & President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, said it became important that universities should emphasise commercialisation of scientific discoveries.

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

He said, “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”.

Earlier, Chairman of the American Chemical Society, Nigeria chapter, Professor Joshua Obaleye noted that this year’s event started with a pre-symposium for “Early Career Scientists and Students Workshop”, held virtually on May 30, 2023.

“Today’s event promises to be a harvest of intellectual discourse and objective feedback that will propel us as chemical scientists to embrace entrepreneurial thinking in research commercialization”, Prof Obaleye said.

The 4-day conference also witnessed the recognition of the chemists for their outstanding contributions towards the development of Chemistry 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 Trustee, Lead City University, Ibadan, Professor Gloria Obuzor, President Federation of African Societies of Chemistry, Dr. Iniobong Ogbonna, Snr QHSE Manager, Brass Petrochemical Company Victoria Island Lagos and Mrs. Ekanem Ofoegbu, Manager, Planning and Commercial NNPC, Port-Harcourt.

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