A professor of Enzyme and Environmental Biotechnology at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Folasade Olajuyigbe, has called for increased strategic investment in enzyme biotechnology, describing it as a vital tool for fostering sustainable economic growth and combating environmental degradation in Nigeria.
Professor Olajuyigbe made the call while delivering FUTA’s 180th Inaugural Lecture on May 6, 2025. The lecture, titled “The Wonders of Enzymes: Glamour of a Clean and Healthy Environment,” emphasized the critical role of enzymes in promoting eco-friendly alternatives to harmful chemical processes and advancing a circular bioeconomy.
Speaking at the event, Olajuyigbe, who also serves as the Director of the Professor Julius Okojie Central Research Laboratory at FUTA, urged the Nigerian government and stakeholders to allocate more funding for research and development in enzyme biotechnology. “Strategic investment in this field will open up practical solutions for bioremediation, waste treatment, and pollution control,” she stated.
A Fulbright scholar and recipient of multiple research grants, Professor Olajuyigbe highlighted how enzyme applications cut across numerous sectors. “In drug development, especially anti-retroviral therapies for HIV, enzymes offer precise treatments with minimal ecological impact. In agriculture, they enhance soil health and water efficiency while reducing nutrient runoff. Enzymes also revolutionize waste management by breaking down pollutants, aid in composting, and support biofuel production. In the textile and detergent industries, enzymes replace harsh chemicals, reduce water pollution, and improve energy efficiency,” she explained.
She further called on pharmaceutical industries and the government to support academic research through grants aimed at developing enzyme-based therapeutic interventions. “Research should focus on understanding enzyme mechanisms and identifying novel enzyme inhibitors with therapeutic potential,” she said.
Encouraging collaboration between researchers, industries, and environmental agencies, Olajuyigbe emphasized the importance of tailored research that meets industry needs. “Highlighting the environmental and health benefits of enzyme-based technologies will encourage stakeholders to prioritize funding and adoption of these solutions,” she noted.
In her concluding remarks, Professor Olajuyigbe said, “Enzymes are pivotal in advancing industry, health, and environmental protection. Strategic investment in enzyme biotechnology will not only drive sustainable economic growth but also elevate Nigeria’s role in the global fight against pollution while promoting a circular economy.”
The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Timothy Amos, commended Olajuyigbe for her insightful and inspiring presentation. He described enzymes as “molecular machines of the cell” that hold transformative potential in health, industry, and environmental sustainability. He praised the lecturer as a prolific scholar whose academic leadership has significantly impacted her field.
The lecture attracted scholars, students, and policymakers, all of whom agreed on the importance of harnessing enzyme biotechnology for national development and environmental stewardship.
