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A Professor of Chemistry Education at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos State, Prof. Bolanle Omotoke Olayele, has canvassed for huge investment in Chemistry Education to boost the study of the course and research.
Olaleye, who is also LASUED Director, Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Skill Development, described Chemistry Education as an investment in national capacity, not merely a school subject.
The don, who is the first female Professor from the Department of Chemistry Education and also first female inaugural lecturer from the College of Science, made the call while delivering the 4th Inaugural Lecture of LASUED, titled: “Cracking the Chemistry Code: Beyond the Breaker – How Reactions Fuel Innovation”.
She observed that a nation that neglects science education weakens its future and that investing in chemistry education builds problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders for a sustainable future.
“Education is not a cost to be minimized – it is the foundation on which a nation’s future prosperity rests. Investing in Chemistry education is investing in that foundation,” she stated.
Prof. Olalele said chemistry is often perceived as a discipline confined to laboratories, equations, test tubes and beakers and rather it is the invisible language of matter and transformation, the foundation of countless innovations and a driving force behind technological advancement.
The don added: “Chemistry explains our everyday world yet remains abstract and inaccessible to many learners.
“Closing this gap must remain at the heart of chemistry education and research. My passion as a Chemistry Education is to bridge scientific knowledge with real-world application.”
According to her, Chemistry education must nurture critical thinker, innovative problem-solvers, entrepreneurs and responsible citizens.
She disclosed that the lecture is a reflection of her research journey, a call to reimagine chemistry education as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world transformation as well as an invitation to explore how chemistry continues to fuel innovation and shape a sustainable future.
Olaleye added: “Chemistry is more than formulas and laboratory procedures – it is a way of thinking, reasoning, and innovating. Mastering multiple representations helps students crack the chemistry code, moving from surface learning to deep, transferable knowledge.”
The don noted that through chemistry education, students acquire the light of the knowledge, understanding real-world challenges, developing scientific insight and identifying practical solutions.
She observed that the goal of chemistry education is to develop scientifically literate innovators who use chemical knowledge to improve lives, solve societal challenges, and drive sustainable national development.
Olaleye further stated that a chemistry educator is a national asset because they help to develop scientifically literate citizens, inspire innovators and entrepreneurs, advance research and technology, translate knowledge into societal and economic value and drive sustainable national transformation.
She described chemistry education as a strategic investment in scientific literate, creative and entrepreneurial graduates, who transformed knowledge into innovation, driving economic prosperity.
She argued that chemistry drives industries such as cement, textiles, cosmetics, plastics, paints, food processing and household chemicals.
The LASUED professor agreed that an investment in chemistry education strengthens innovation capacity, scientific literacy, technological advancement, industrial competitiveness, economic growth and environmental resilience.
Olaleye stressed that her vision for the future is to strengthen chemistry education through curriculum renewal through industry co-design, which will align teaching with workplace competencies.
“Together, let us make chemistry education a pathway beyond examinations—to innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable national,” she concluded
In remarks, LASUED Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, congratulated Prof. Olaleye for delivering the inaugural lecture and paying her academic debt.
She said an inaugural lecture is one of the highest academic traditions in the life of a university, which provides the opportunity for a professor to present the intellectual outcome of years of rigorous scholarship, research, teaching, and service to humanity.
“Today, Lagos State University of Education celebrates a scholar whose academic journey exemplifies excellence, resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to national development through education,” she noted.
Lafiaji-Okuneye described Olaleye as a scholar of international repute, authored and co-authored several books, scholarly book chapters, monographs, and numerous articles published in reputable national and international journals.
The VC said her scholarly contributions have enriched knowledge in science education, teacher education, STEM development, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and educational innovation, noting that her publications continue to influence educational practice, research, and policy within and beyond Nigeria.
She added: “Lagos State University of Education proudly celebrates one of its finest scholars whose contributions continue to inspire colleagues, students, researchers, and policymakers alike. Her life’s work reflects the university’s enduring commitment to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement.’’
