Toxicologists key to human safety, environmental protection-Egbewole
By Tajudeen Babamale and Muizdeen Adewole
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has described toxicologists as vital to human society, especially in the areas of sustainable development, public health, and environmental safety.
Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, stated this last Monday (February 9, 2026) while declaring open the 3rd Biennial Conference of the Forum of Nigerian Toxicologists (FONTOX), themed “Toxicology: Integrating Innovation and Sustainability”. The Conference was held at the former Senate Chamber, Old Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, the Vice Chancellor said the theme of the Conference was apt, especially as global attention continues to shift towards sustainability, environmental preservation, and human health protection.
The Vice Chancellor noted that toxicology has evolved beyond the traditional study of poisons to a broad scientific discipline, which focuses on evaluating the risks associated with chemical, biological, and environmental exposures, while promoting the safety of humans, animals, and ecosystems.
He added that toxicologists help governments and regulatory bodies to develop safety standards and policies that limit human exposure to harmful substances, thereby preventing diseases and environmental degradation.
In a keynote address, titled “Green Toxicology: A Drive Towards Sustainable Innovation,” a former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Emeritus Musbau Akanji, observed the growing importance of green toxicology in promoting safer scientific innovation, sustainable industrial practices, and global health protection.
Prof. Emeritus Akanji noted that toxicology, which is the scientific study of poisons and harmful substances, is as old as human existence. He said early human survival depended largely on the ability to distinguish between edible and poisonous plants, describing this as the earliest form of toxicological knowledge.
He explained that modern toxicology has since evolved into a sophisticated scientific discipline that examines the effects of chemical, biological, and environmental agents on living organisms, while developing strategies to prevent or reduce harmful exposures.
Speaking on green toxicology, Prof. Akanji described it as an emerging approach that integrates safety and environmental considerations into the earliest stages of chemical and drug development, saying that the goal is to optimise therapeutic or functional effectiveness while simultaneously minimising potential harm to humans, animals, and the environment.
According to him, green toxicology is increasingly becoming critical in modern drug development processes, as it encourages scientists and pharmaceutical industries to design safer products from the conceptual stage rather than addressing safety concerns after production.
While mentioning the economic benefits of adopting green toxicology principles in manufacturing and product development, the renowned Biochemistry scholar said that early identification of potential toxicity risks helps companies avoid costly product recalls, regulatory penalties, and legal liabilities, thereby ensuring long-term economic sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Forum of Nigerian Toxicologists (FONTOX), Prof. Ebenezer Olatunde Farombi, commended the University of Ilorin for hosting the 3rd Biennial Conference, praising the institution’s impressive infrastructural development and noting that the University is rapidly evolving to compete with world-class universities.
Prof. Farombi particularly appreciated the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, describing the physical outlook and environment of the University as highly commendable. He noted that from the entrance gate to various Facilities across the campus, the level of development reflects visionary leadership and strong management commitment to growth.
He added that the University environment is neat and well maintained, while facilities such as the Researchers’ Lodge are clean and conducive, making the institution a model worthy of emulation by other universities. He congratulated the University management for its sustained efforts in infrastructure and environmental development.
On his part, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Musa Toyin Yakubu, said that the University of Ilorin was honoured to host what he described as a prestigious gathering of experts and professionals in the field of toxicology.
Prof. Yakubu noted that the conference provided an opportunity to showcase the latest developments, research findings, and innovations in toxicology, which he described as a critical scientific field with direct implications for human health, environmental protection, and national development.
According to him, the gathering is expected to strengthen collaboration among professionals, promote scientific networking, and encourage innovative solutions to toxicological challenges affecting public health, agriculture, industry, and the environment.
The event was attended by notable members of the University management, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Mukhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; and the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa, and several academics, researchers, and professionals from within and outside Nigeria.