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| Amoo during the inaugural lecture |
A professor of analytical and environmental chemistry has recommended the production of plant seed chemicals as substitutes for imported raw materials in chemical and allied enterprises.
Professor Isiaka Adekunle Amoo gave the recommendation while delivering the 82nd inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA at the Main Auditorium of the Institution on Tuesday February 28, 2017.
The don who spoke on the topic “Plant Seed Chemical: Renewable Raw Materials for Industrial Applications” said that the substitution and use of seed chemicals will provide opportunity for the expansion of the national industrial base.
Professor Amoo stated that from his research work, biodiesel has been and can be produced from the extracted oil of snake gourds seeds while chemicals from velvet bean, rice bean and lablab bean seeds exhibited good antioxidant activities which can be used in the management of diabetes.
He also cited the example of metal Carboxylates produced from seed oil which after being tested on different concrete formulations showed good resistance to absorption of water.
According to him, if the potential of this research is maximised in the building industry it can prevent the absorption of water in buildings erected in water logged areas.
He advised key players in the building, construction and cement industries especially engineers to latch on to the research in order to prolong the life span of erected structures especially in the riverine areas of the country.
“Through adequate support, biodiesel and other useful chemical extracts from plant seeds can be produced for the use of industries and the benefit of the generality of the people especially in the fight against diabetes,” he said.
The former head of department of chemistry described plant seed chemicals as those chemicals that can be extracted and isolated from the plant seeds whose physiochemical and functional properties and other modifications determine their usefulness in chemical related industries. Amoo stated that that the potentials of plant seed chemicals must be fully maximised as they are renewable, sustainable, biodegradable, cost effective and environmentally friendly.
The lecturer who is also a former Chairman of the Ondo State technical review panel on environmental impact assessment urged government at all levels to provide adequate research funding to tertiary institutions and research institutes to encourage ground-breaking researches and promote qualitative research work. He also called for a collaboration of research institutes and universities with industries to make research work directional and for the proper utilization of research findings and output.
The Don stresses the importance of need driven research work that will meet current situation of needs and also for interdisciplinary approach which according to him will further promote a robust research output. In the same vein he called on the government and all educational institutions to as a matter of urgency; make the supply of electricity a priority for better and efficient research work.
Speaking at the lecture, chairman of the occasion, the Vice Chancellor Professor Adebiyi Daramola represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Tunde Arayela described the lecturer as an astute scholar who has contributed immensely to the development of body of knowledge in his area of specialization.
The vice chancellor said Prof. Amoo’s multitasking capacities has enabled him successfully chair committees in the university, adding that he is a versatile consultant and a humanitarian who has participated in many community services, helping in proffering solutions to societal challenges.
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