A Professor of Physical and Computational Chemistry, Moriam Adeoye, has called on the Federal Government to extend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) research grants to private universities in order to enhance national research output and promote innovation.
Prof. Adeoye made the call during the 6th inaugural lecture of Fountain University, Osogbo, held on Thursday. The lecture, titled “Physical Chemistry: Winnowing Deep Truths From Profound, Beautiful Nonsense,” emphasized the need for broader inclusion in research funding to unlock Nigeria’s academic potential.
She argued that limiting TETFund support to public institutions alone restricts the country’s ability to harness the full capacity of its higher education system. “To achieve meaningful contributions from private universities, the government should stop recognizing only government institutions and include all accredited private universities in TETFund research grants,” she said.
The chemistry professor stressed that such inclusion would foster public-private collaboration, promote fairness, and drive innovation and commercialization across sectors. She also called for consistent federal investment in scientific research—particularly in physical chemistry, which she noted plays a key role in advancing energy, health, environmental sustainability, and materials science.
Prof. Adeoye highlighted the potential for research in sustainable alternatives, revealing that waste materials such as elephant grass and plastic bags could be transformed into writing paper—offering a solution to both deforestation and pollution.
She emphasized the need to support emerging scientists, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to build a new generation of innovators. “Our government should encourage young scientists. Once they are supported, especially the underprivileged ones, we can achieve major milestones,” she said.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Adeoye also urged the government to review and update the nation’s chemistry curriculum to include emerging areas that could shape future policy and development.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor of Fountain University, Prof. Ramata Kareem, echoed the call for federal support in linking academic research with industrial innovation. She commended Prof. Adeoye’s trailblazing efforts as the first female inaugural lecturer of the institution, noting that her achievements could inspire more women in academia to strive for excellence.
