The vice chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, on Tuesday urged professional chemists to be more vibrant on issues affecting environmental conditions of average Nigerians. This, he said would go a long way in reducing diseases inherent in environmental changes among the teeming populace.

Ambali disclosed this in Ilorin, Kwara State capital while speaking at the symposium and award ceremony of the Nigeria International Chemical Sciences, an arm of American Chemical Society in Ilorin held at the Unilorin main audtitorium. According to him, "members of the association should not limit their impact to laboratory research and experiment".

The VC, who was represented by the deputy vice chancellor, Academics, Professor Sidikat Ijaya, said that Nigeria was being turned to dumping ground of toxic waste, adding that the association should rise up to defend the environment.

"The country has been virtually turned to dumping ground of toxic waste in the name of transfer of technology. You have this in fairly used products like electronics, cars etc causing environmental pollution. Hence, the need for professionals in chemical field to be vocal on such effect of environmental pollution as cancer and other respiratory illness.

"Nigerians buy these items not knowing that they are polluting the environment", he said.

Also speaking at the ceremony, where he received the association's 2016 distinguished personality award, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed called on chemists to increase research intoagro-processing and solid minerals development to unlock the inherent potentials in the sectors and improve their contribution to the country's economy.