Researchers across Nigerian universities have been encouraged to embrace modern laboratory practices, strengthen quality assurance systems and pursue innovation-driven research capable of addressing national challenges and attracting global recognition. The call was made during the 3rd Annual Research Seminar of the Central Research Laboratory of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), where scholars, scientists and research administrators examined strategies for improving the quality, relevance and commercial value of scientific research.
The seminar, held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, focused on the theme, “Advancing Research Excellence Through Modern Laboratory Practices, Innovation and Quality Assurance,” and featured presentations by Dr Olaniyi Oyatomi of the Genetic Resources Centre, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Professor Oyetunde Oyeyemi.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr Oyatomi stressed that world-class research can only thrive in laboratories equipped with modern facilities, skilled personnel and internationally accepted quality assurance systems. He explained that reliable scientific discoveries depend on accurate research methodologies, adherence to laboratory standards and continuous investment in equipment and personnel development.
According to him, “Modern practices, innovation and quality assurance are needed to improve the quality of research. Many donors are looking for impactful research, which can only be achieved when research methodology is accurate.” He noted that institutions seeking international collaborations and research grants must demonstrate credibility through rigorous laboratory procedures and dependable research outcomes.
Dr Oyatomi explained that modern laboratory practice extends beyond acquiring sophisticated equipment. He said it also involves proper documentation, strict compliance with safety regulations, regular calibration of instruments and continuous professional training for laboratory personnel. These measures, he added, improve the accuracy, reproducibility and credibility of scientific findings while enhancing public confidence in research outputs.
He further encouraged researchers to embrace emerging technologies and innovative approaches in solving scientific and societal problems. He noted that stronger collaboration among universities, research institutes, industries and government agencies would significantly improve research productivity and accelerate the development of practical solutions to national developmental challenges.
In a second lecture titled “Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Research and Industrial Development: Nigeria’s Pathway to Innovation,” Professor Oyetunde Oyeyemi challenged researchers to move beyond publishing academic papers by transforming research findings into commercially viable products and services.
He observed that many innovative ideas generated in Nigerian universities never reach the marketplace because researchers often fail to explore available commercialisation opportunities. According to him, “There are numerous opportunities available that researchers are yet to harness. We must change the old approach to handling marketable research ideas if we truly want to become entrepreneur-scientists.”
Professor Oyeyemi explained that several government agencies already provide support for innovation, product development and commercialisation. He noted that organisations such as the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) can assist researchers in converting prototypes into market-ready products, while institutions including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) provide opportunities for validation in relevant fields.
He encouraged academics to engage relevant government institutions from the early stages of their research rather than waiting until they require funding. He advised researchers to protect their intellectual property, assess whether their innovations align with the roadmap of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, establish partnerships with industries and build networks capable of supporting product development and commercialisation.
Professor Oyeyemi maintained that Nigeria now possesses stronger policy support and financial mechanisms for innovation than in previous years, urging researchers to take advantage of these opportunities to ensure that scientific discoveries contribute directly to industrial growth, economic development and national competitiveness.
Declaring the seminar open, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Timothy Amos, described research as the foundation of innovation and technological advancement. She said seminars of this nature provide valuable opportunities for scholars to exchange ideas, build collaborations and strengthen research capacity across disciplines.
Professor Oladiji commended the Director of the Central Research Laboratory, Professor Folasade Olajuyigbe, for her leadership in transforming the facility and institutionalising the annual seminar. She remarked that, “As a University of Technology, laboratories are central to our mandate of teaching, research and community service. While equipping laboratories is essential, it is equally important for researchers to come together regularly to exchange ideas and improve professional practice.”
In her welcome address, Professor Olajuyigbe reaffirmed the Central Research Laboratory’s commitment to supporting high-quality research through access to advanced analytical facilities, effective laboratory management, capacity building and multidisciplinary collaboration. She explained that the seminar was designed to expose researchers to emerging trends, strengthen laboratory standards and promote innovative research capable of addressing real-life challenges.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for their outstanding contributions to scientific research, innovation and the development of the Central Research Laboratory. Those honoured included FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji; Professor Oyetunde Oyeyemi; Dr Olaniyi Oyatomi; Major General Oladele Arogundade; Engr Christopher Emuh; Professor Ayodeji Arogundade; Toluwanimi Olajuyigbe; Oladipo Arogundade; Oluwafemi Okosun; Arc. Dr Adekanmi Oyedele; and Mr Adegbenro Adebanjo.
Responding on behalf of the award recipients, Major General Oladele Arogundade, Commander of the Technical Group, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Marda Barracks, Yaba, Lagos, represented by Captain Obolo, expressed appreciation for the recognition and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening scientific research and technological innovation in Nigeria.
The seminar concluded with renewed calls for Nigerian researchers to embrace innovation, strengthen laboratory standards, protect intellectual property, deepen institutional partnerships and ensure that research findings translate into practical solutions capable of advancing education, industry and national development.
