AAUA Professor Advocates for Integration of Benign Chemistry into National Science Curriculum

Akungba-Akoko — In a thought-provoking presentation at the 39th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Professor Nurudeen Abiola Oladoja made a passionate case for the integration of “Benign Chemistry” into Nigeria’s science curriculum.

Delivering his lecture titled “The Chemistry Beat: Harnessing Benign Reactions for Water Purification”, the Environmental Chemistry expert highlighted the urgent need to embrace chemical processes that are safer for humans and the environment. According to him, Benign Chemistry—an offshoot of Green Chemistry—promotes the use of non-toxic materials, renewable resources, and environmentally-friendly methods in chemical production and research.

Professor Oladoja noted that water safety remains a major public health concern, particularly in rural communities where groundwater often contains dangerously high levels of fluoride. “Over 60 percent of the fluoride we consume comes from drinking water,” he said, adding that the health implications are severe, especially in areas without access to clean water.

The scholar, who has over 100 publications and international research experiences in Germany, Malaysia, and China, stressed the importance of locally-developed, low-cost materials for water purification. “We must move from reactive to preventive measures in addressing water contamination,” he declared.

Beyond water purification, Oladoja emphasized that adopting benign chemistry principles can help Nigeria meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.1, which seeks universal access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.

The Vice Chancellor of AAUA, Professor Olugbenga Ige, commended Oladoja’s scholarly contributions, describing him as a “distinguished academic whose research has brought global recognition to the institution.”

As Nigeria continues to grapple with environmental and public health challenges, Professor Oladoja’s call for curriculum reform offers a timely roadmap toward a more sustainable and safer future.