Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has called on Chemists to increase research into Agro-processing and Solid Minerals Development in order to unlock the potentials in those sectors and improve their contributions to the country's economy.

Similarly, Governor Ahmed has recommended that the inclusion of science education be made compulsory in Secondary and Tertiary institutions to enhance reasoning skills and increase the number of students choosing a career in the sciences.

Governor Ahmed made the calls in his acceptance speech at the American Chemistry Scientists, Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter Award Ceremony held at the University of Ilorin. According to him, Chemists have a huge part to play in solving society's current and future challenges, especially in the areas of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and agribusiness.

Governor Ahmed called for greater synergy between the academia and government to leverage on areas of competence and influence for the benefit of the society. He also commended the association for advancing the field of chemistry around the world for the benefit of mankind.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Sidikat Ijaiya had charged researchers not to allow their research works to end up in laboratories but make them useful to humanity.

Professor Ambali expressed worry that Nigeria had been turned into a dumping ground for chemical substances and equipment in the name of transferring technology to the country, stressing the need to make research works positively impact to the society.

The Vice Chancellor also thanked Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for ensuring harmonious relationship between the state and the University of Ilorin. VON reports that nine recipients were awarded including; the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, former Nigeria Ambassador to Kenya and Australia, Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni and a Professor of Analytical Chemistry, Olalekan Fatoki.