ACS Nigeria 11th Annual Symposium Focuses on Emerging Technologies and Chemistry for Sustainable Development

Why It Matters

The symposium underscores Nigeria’s strategic push to fuse cutting‑edge chemical research with sustainability goals, fostering academia‑industry collaborations and attracting investment. It signals the country’s emergence as a regional hub for chemical innovation and policy‑driven growth.

Key Takeaways

• Attendance increased, indicating rising interest in chemical sustainability
• Government pledged support for research commercialization and industrial competitiveness
• AI and green chemistry featured prominently in technical sessions
• International speakers from Cambridge, Bristol Myers Squibb, and others participated
• Organizers aim to broaden industry and early‑career scientist involvement

Pulse Analysis

The 11th ACS Nigeria Annual Symposium marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s scientific ecosystem, bringing together over a hundred researchers, industry experts, and policymakers under one roof. By centering the agenda on emerging technologies—such as artificial‑intelligence‑enhanced molecular design, green nanochemistry, and sustainable natural‑product synthesis—the conference showcases how modern chemistry can directly address pressing challenges like climate change and energy security. This convergence of expertise not only elevates Nigeria’s research profile but also creates a fertile ground for cross‑border collaborations that can accelerate technology transfer.

Beyond the technical sessions, the symposium placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity and capacity building. Dedicated panels for younger chemists and women in chemistry highlighted the sector’s commitment to diversifying talent pipelines, while workshops on AI applications and scientific publishing equipped participants with practical skills for the digital age. The presence of high‑profile speakers from institutions such as the University of Cambridge and Bristol Myers Squibb added credibility and offered attendees a glimpse into global best practices, fostering a culture of innovation that can be replicated across African research institutions.

The broader economic implications are equally compelling. Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology reaffirmed government intent to translate research into market‑ready solutions, emphasizing policy‑driven commercialization and industrial competitiveness. As industry representatives signal increased interest, the symposium’s growing attendance forecasts a robust pipeline of partnerships that could boost the nation’s chemical manufacturing sector, attract foreign direct investment, and position Nigeria as a leading hub for sustainable chemistry in West Africa.

ACS Nigeria 11th Annual Symposium focuses on emerging technologies and chemistry for sustainable development

By Sara Cottle · February 20, 2026

From Feb. 8 to 11, scientists from academia, industry, and more gathered at the International Conference Centre at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria to discuss “Emerging Technologies in Chemistry for Sustainable Development” as part of the 11th Annual Symposium hosted by the American Chemical Society Nigeria Chapter.

Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, vice chancellor of the University of Ibadan, was the chief host of the event, which included other speakers: Franklin Aigbirhio, professor of molecular imaging, University of Cambridge; Martin Onani, professor of inorganic chemistry, University of the Western Cape; Martins S. Oderinde, scientific associate director, Bristol Myers Squibb; Mary Anti Chama, associate professor of chemistry, University of Ghana; and Nevila Jana, assistant professor of chemistry, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Opening remarks included local organizing‑committee chair Ganiyat Oloyede, who encouraged engagement as a means to catalyze research partnerships and create impactful collaborations; chair of the ACS Nigeria Chapter, Edu Inam, who emphasized chemistry’s role in addressing challenges such as public health, climate change, energy security, and more; and the Nigerian minister of innovation, science, and technology, Kingsley T. Ude, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem, stressing the need for deployable technologies, research commercialization, and policy‑relevant scientific evidence to enhance industrial competitiveness, among other goals.

Monday and Tuesday were jam‑packed with a keynote and plenary lectures; technical sessions including a younger‑chemist session, women‑in‑chemistry session, and industrial session; workshops, including one on artificial intelligence and publication; and an exhibition focused on publishing.

Themes discussed in the technical sessions included emerging technologies in natural products; physical, theoretical, and mathematical chemistry; sustainability and innovations in chemical industries; green chemistry and nanochemistry; analytical chemistry; advances in AI‑inspired chemical systems; and inorganic chemistry. “Emerging technologies in natural products and organic chemistry were the favorites, as there were many presentations in these areas,” Inam says.

The symposium has seen growth over time, with this year’s attendance being higher than last year’s. Inam forecasts that next year should attract even more attendees, and not just from academia but also from industry, from government, and early‑career scientists.