A Professor of Enzymology and Biophysical Chemistry at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ayodele Kolawole, has canvassed local production of insulin and antivenoms in Nigeria, saying the country has the capacity to produce them in commercial quantities with the right investment and enabling environment.
Kolawole stated this while delivering the 190th Inaugural Lecture of the institution on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
The professor, who titled his lecture “Exquisiteness of Enzymes: Its Economic Role in an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem,” said Nigeria has the potential to produce its own insulin for diabetic patients as well as antivenoms for snake and scorpion bites, rather than relying on imports.
“Nigeria has the potential to produce its own insulin for diabetic patients and its own antivenom for snake and scorpion bites,” he said.
Kolawole explained that enzymes of industrial and medical significance are abundant in the country and could be harnessed through collaboration and shared research facilities.
“Enzymes of significance are abundant in our surroundings, and it is imperative that we collaborate to isolate and utilize them effectively. By pooling our resources and leveraging shared facilities, we can purify these enzymes for industrial and laboratory applications,” he noted.
Highlighting the critical role of enzymes in human activities, the don described them as highly efficient biological catalysts that drive all biochemical reactions.
“Enzymes are superbly crafted biological catalysts that, in small amounts, drive all biochemical reactions. They increase reaction rates by many orders of magnitude by lowering activation energy while ensuring high fidelity in donor–acceptor transactions,” he said.
On boosting local production, Kolawole urged the Federal Government to take bold steps, including banning the importation of enzymes used in bio-processing, to encourage domestic production.
According to him, enzymes are central to Nigeria’s industrial development and should be treated as such by policymakers and industry leaders.
“Enzymes are powerful tools, and their proper use can yield significant benefits. By prioritising local production and reducing reliance on imports, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of her indigenous cereals,” he added.
Kolawole lamented Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported enzymes, describing it as a major drain on foreign exchange.
“Take a look at our food and health industries. All the enzymes needed in both sectors—the amylases and proteases for breaking down carbohydrates and proteins—are still being imported. This is unacceptable,” he said.
The professor also criticised universities for not doing enough to drive innovation in enzyme research.
“Unfortunately, our universities, in their bid to survive, have begun to mirror society rather than lead it. The gown is now competing with the town in business and entrepreneurial ventures. Universities should focus on driving innovation and economic empowerment, not duplicating existing efforts,” he said, adding that academic institutions should go beyond routine agricultural ventures.
Kolawole further called on government to significantly increase funding for biochemical research and ensure stable electricity supply to universities and research institutions.
“Bioscience research requires continuous electricity. Power rationing is inimical to scientific breakthroughs. Electricity supply to universities and research institutes should be heavily subsidised, if not made free,” he stressed.
He also advocated the training of more enzymologists in Nigeria, noting that the country currently has very few specialists in the field.
“Nigerian scientists are not lacking in intellectual capacity. Their creativity is hindered by inadequate manpower, outdated equipment and insufficient facilities. By now, Nigeria should have had an Institute of Enzymology or a Protein Research Institute to drive innovation in this critical area,” he said.
At the continental level, Kolawole said enzymology presents Africa with vast opportunities for decentralised economic activities and community-driven research.
“Enzymology offers Africa diverse opportunities for participatory research and community-level control. We must mobilise our expertise to transform our nation and continent by harnessing enzymology to drive progress,” he added.
Earlier, while introducing the lecturer, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, who chaired the event, described Kolawole as a renowned scholar and accomplished researcher.
Professor Oladiji, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor Sunday Oluyamo, said the inaugural lecturer had won several research grants for the university and contributed significantly to manpower development at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
She noted that many of his former students are excelling globally, while he has also served the university in several capacities as chairman and member of key committees.
