By Olajide Idowu
Prof. Simiat Jimoh of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), Osun, says microbial systems can be harnessed to address challenges in the health, agriculture and energy sectors of the country.
Jimoh, a Professor of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, stated this on Wednesday while delivering the maiden inaugural lecture of the university in Ila-Orangun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the lecture was: “Fermenting the Future: Harnessing Microbial Metabolism for Sustainable Biotechnological Innovations.”
Jimoh said microbes are no longer limited to laboratory research but have become strategic tools for sustainable development.
“The same microbial systems that generate high-value molecular intermediates and industrial bioproducts also offer practical solutions to pressing challenges in health, agriculture, energy and material science,” she said.
She noted that Nigeria’s persistent reliance on imported pharmaceuticals, polymers and bio-based chemicals has hindered industrial independence and continued to strain the country’s foreign reserves.
The don also explained that through strategic microbial bioprocessing, agro-waste could be converted into bioethanol, diabetic-friendly sweeteners, biosurfactants for detergents and environmental remediation, as well as biodegradable plastics.
She added that industrial microbiology and biotechnology are advancing towards greater precision, integration and societal impact.
Speaking to NAN on the sidelines of the programme, Jimoh said she has worked on synthesising various metabolites, including bioethanol, which could help tackle climate change.
“We can also use many of these products to produce pharmaceutical drugs, including anti-inflammatory medicines,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Akeem Lasisi, said inaugural lectures serve as a bridge between academia and the public.
“It is a means of public enlightenment on research outputs, future directions in research, and overall societal development,” he said.
Lasisi expressed satisfaction at witnessing the university’s first inaugural lecture, describing the lecturer as an accomplished researcher and administrator.
Mr Fatai Jimoh, husband of the inaugural lecturer, expressed delight at the successful delivery of the lecture.
He said he was proud of his wife, describing her as a disciplinarian and praising her educational achievements.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Victor Adeoti
