The Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has launched the Smart Chemistry Project to revolutionise scientific education and research and tackle real-life problems.

The initiative was unveiled at the department’s inaugural alumni meeting and fundraising, which brought together distinguished alumni, esteemed guests and faculty members.

The Smart Chemistry Project is technologically designed to transform the department into a hub of excellence in scientific teaching, research, and innovation.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Adeyinka Adesina, stressed the importance of the project, noting that scientific education today demands far more than it did in the past.

“It now requires cutting-edge tools, immersive experiences, and teaching that mirrors the demands of modern science and technology. The Smart Chemistry Project seeks to address these demands, investing not only in infrastructure but also in students’ capacity to learn, innovate, and lead.”

According to him, by equipping laboratories with state-of-the-art instruments, providing hands-on training for students, and fostering a culture of critical thinking and creativity, the project aimed to empower students to tackle real-world problems and contribute to national development through science and innovation.

“Over the decades, the Department of Chemistry has played a central role in the training of competent scientists who have gone on to contribute to academia, industry, government, and public service.

“The Smart Chemistry Project is an investment not only in infrastructure but in our students’ capacity to learn, innovate, and lead. With this project, the aim is to equip our laboratories with state-of-the-art instruments, ensure hands-on training for all students, and foster a culture where critical thinking and creativity are part of everyday academic life.”

“For true innovation to occur, our students must be exposed to the kind of training that ignites curiosity, deepens understanding, and inspires problem-solving. A well-equipped laboratory is not a luxury — it is a necessity. It is the workshop where theories are tested, new ideas are born, and scientific breakthroughs are made.

“Moreover, we all believe that this initiative will not stand in isolation. As the Chemistry Department takes bold steps forward, we hope that the Smart Chemistry Project will inspire similar transformations across departments and institutions nationwide, creating a ripple effect of educational renewal and scientific progress,” he stated.