Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Femi Dansu & Patrick Erinoso
The Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today November 20, 2025, held a One-Day Lecture themed “Cross-Border Chemistry,” aimed at strengthening academic collaboration between FUNAAB and Nelson Mandela University, South Africa.
Delivering the Opening Address, the Dean, College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS), Prof. Victor Makinde, welcomed participants and described the event as a special moment in FUNAAB’s history. He noted that the lecture symbolises a deepening relationship between the University and Nelson Mandela University, emphasising the importance of building a mutually beneficial, win–win partnership.
Prof. Makinde also delivered the Goodwill Message of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, expressing appreciation to the Guest Speaker, Dr. Adeniyi Ogunlaja, Head, Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa, and his brother, Prof. Olumiyiwa Ogunlaja of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bowen University, Iwo.
Delivering the lecture titled “Beyond Rare and Precious: Are Base Metals the Sustainable Future of Catalysis and Medicine?” Dr. Ogunlaja explained that the high cost and dwindling availability of precious metals make them less viable for future industrial and medical applications. He highlighted the potential of base metals as affordable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternatives for catalytic processes and therapeutic innovations.
Dr. Ogunlaja shared current research findings demonstrating the effectiveness of base metals and encouraged continued exploration in this direction. He advised postgraduate students to strengthen their research with computational studies and to apply proper techniques, such as using the correct black-dot reference, when working with TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy).
The lecture attracted distinguished scholars and administrators, including former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Oluyemisi Eromosele; Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Prof. Akinola Akinlabi; Director, Institute for Human Resources Development (INHURD), Prof. Sheriff Adewuyi; Head, Department of Chemistry, Prof. Abideen Adeogun; Head, Quality Control and Assurance Unit, Prof. Saliu Amolegbe, and Head, Department of Geology, Prof. James Oguntuase, among many others.
