By Elijah Ugani
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has officially declared open the 2nd Annual Conference of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Cross River State Chapter, with a call for greater investment in chemistry as a catalyst for sustainable development and Nigeria’s transition to a green economy.
The three-day conference, which runs from July 5 to 7, 2026, was formally inaugurated on Monday, July 6, at the Senate Chamber of the University of Calabar. It brought together scholars, researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, students, and stakeholders from across the state to deliberate on the theme: “Catalyzing the Green Economy: Chemistry as a Driver for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”
Declaring the conference open, Prof. Offiong described the theme as timely and highly relevant, noting that chemistry remains central to providing innovative solutions in renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, environmental protection, waste management, and industrial development.
He stressed that Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification and sustainable growth would depend largely on scientific innovation and technological advancement, adding that chemists have a critical role to play in developing environmentally friendly technologies capable of driving economic prosperity while protecting the environment.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University of Calabar’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and strategic partnerships that support national development and address contemporary global challenges.
Prof. Offiong commended the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, and the Local Organising Committee for successfully hosting the conference. He urged participants to actively engage in scientific discussions, share knowledge, and build collaborations that would advance chemical sciences and contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda.
He also welcomed the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Prof. Stephen Adi Odey, Commissioner for Education, Cross River State; the President of the Chemical Society of Nigeria and keynote speaker, Prof. Rufus Sha’Ato; the plenary speaker, Prof. Buba Shanu; the Deputy Vice President (South-South Zone) of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Dr. Frank Oteiva; and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, Prof. Francisca Bassey, alongside other distinguished guests and delegates.
On his part, Prof Ayi, A. Ayi, The Alternate Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee welcomed participants to the 2026 Conference of the Cross River Chapter of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), hosted at the University of Calabar.
He described the conference as a vital platform for scientists, educators, researchers, students, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and promote chemistry-driven solutions to national and global challenges.
Speaking on the theme, “Catalysing the Green Economy: Chemistry as a Driver for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” he highlighted the importance of chemistry in advancing sustainable development through innovations in the circular economy, environmental remediation, computational chemistry, and chemical education.
He urged participants to actively engage in the scientific sessions, keynote and plenary lectures, and networking opportunities to foster collaborations that would extend beyond the conference.
The LOC Alternate Chairman specially welcomed the Chairman of the Opening Ceremony, Senator Professor Stephen Adi Odey, the President of the Chemical Society of Nigeria and Keynote Speaker, Professor Rufus Sha’Ato, and the Plenary Speaker, Professor Ardo Buba Shanu, while appreciating both physical and virtual participants for their commitment to advancing scientific research.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Professor Offiong E. Offiong, for his exceptional leadership and support in hosting the conference. He also acknowledged the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, Professor Francisca Bassey, the Chairman of CSN Cross River Chapter, Dr. Stephen Adalikwu, members of the Local Organizing Committee, sponsors, and partners for their invaluable contributions to the successful organization of the conference.
He concluded by wishing participants fruitful deliberations, productive networking, and a memorable stay in Calabar.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Cross River Chapter, ChM Stephen Adie Adalikwu PhD, described the conference as a historic milestone, marking the revival of the chapter’s annual scientific conference after nearly four decades.
According to him, the maiden local conference was held in 1987, making the current edition a significant rebirth of scientific engagement within the chapter.
Dr. Adalikwu expressed gratitude to God and appreciated the support of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, who also served as Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, as well as Prof. Ayi A. Ayi, the Alternate Chairman of the committee, for their dedication to the successful hosting of the conference.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Senator Prof. Stephen Adi Odey, the President of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Prof. Rufus Sha’Ato, Prof. Buba Shanu, Dr. Frank Oteiva, Prof. Francisca Bassey, government officials, industry leaders, sponsors, and participants for their support and presence.
Reflecting on the chapter’s achievements, Dr. Adalikwu disclosed that since the current leadership assumed office, the Cross River Chapter had experienced a remarkable transformation, including a membership growth of over 100 percent.
He noted that the conference theme underscores the vital role of chemistry in renewable energy, environmental remediation, climate change mitigation, agriculture, healthcare, waste management, industrial development, and the production of environmentally friendly materials.
He, however, identified inadequate research funding, weak collaboration between academia and industry, poor infrastructure, and the migration of skilled professionals as major obstacles to scientific and technological advancement in Nigeria.
The chapter chairman called on governments, industries, and development partners to increase investment in scientific research, strengthen partnerships among universities, research institutions and industries, and promote innovation capable of driving sustainable national development.
He further encouraged chemists to uphold professionalism, mentor younger scientists, and embrace innovation and entrepreneurship while reaffirming the chapter’s commitment to making its annual conference a permanent platform for scientific discourse, collaboration, and professional development.
Dr. Adalikwu expressed optimism that the conference would produce practical solutions, innovative ideas, and lasting partnerships that would strengthen the chemical sciences and support Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable green economy.