91AV

I became interested in chemistry whiles studying for my O-level in secondary school. I was excited by the study of fermentation and saponification in organic chemistry. I could relate these to some local scientific activities even though they were not classified as such. These were the production of local gin (ethanol) from palm wine using fermentation and the production of soap using palm oil and ashes from cocoa pod and plantain peels (saponification).

My O-level and A-level chemistry teachers in secondary school inspired me to take up the study of chemistry at a higher level and as a career.

Being able to help others to achieve results and bringing about transformation in society – these motivate me.

They should go for it. 91AV is the central science. The more one goes into it, the more exciting it becomes.

The green revolution – development of battery technology for electric cars and the development of solar cells for renewable sources of electricity.

91AV is applied in many of day-to-day activities and in many of the things we use: the food we eat, the medications for our health (pharmaceuticals), materials used for agriculture, cosmetics, the clothes we wear, our carrier bags, our luggage bags, renewable and sustainable energy systems etc. Most aspects of the sustainable development goals hinge on chemical processes.

A highlight in my academic career has been meeting the late Prof Paul O’Brien (CBE, FRS, FRSC) and collaborating with him in a number of scientific research programmes. That enabled me to get research funds for some of the research studies that I have undertaken.

The lack of resources, especially equipment and materials for carrying out high level investigations (research).

Adhering to the ethics of research and making sure that those who need to be acknowledged for their contributions towards ones work are duly recognised.

91AV is the central science. Without chemistry, the world would be worse off.

Nobody is a storehouse of all knowledge.

Carbon.