AbdulRaheem advocates collaboration among scientists

The Head of the Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Prof. Modinah AbdulRaheem, has called for the eradication of every form of segregation among scientists in order to bring about greater scientific and technological productivity.

Prof. AbdulRaheem gave this advice recently while speaking at the Global Women Breakfast (GWB) organised by the Women in Chemistry (WIC), a division of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Kwara State chapter.

The event, which was organised in collaboration with the American Chemical Society(ACS), was to celebrate this year’s edition of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemists (IUPAC) Day at the Boardroom of the Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin.

Speaking on the theme “Catalyzing Diversity in Science”, the renowned scholar of Chemistry explained that it is very important for stakeholders to pursue and adopt integration instead of exclusion.

The don, who is also the Chairman of the UNILORIN Guest House Management Board, pointed out that it is important to explore the positive aspects of human complexity and heterogeneity by downplaying them through recognition, respecting, visualisation and honouring diversity rather than allowing such differences to create gaps among scientists.

Prof. AbdulRaheem noted that scientific progress essentially relies on problem-solving and collaboration among people of diverse experiences and areas of expertise, saying that such cooperation would always stimulate creativity and innovativeness.

She implored stakeholders to always support female scientists towards overcoming barriers, adding that when such is achieved it would lead to a remarkable improvement in research output and increment in revenue generation for national development, among other advantages.

The event, which attracted participants from far and near, was graced by many dignitaries including the National President of the CSN,Prof. Rufus Sha’Ato,who was represented by the Chairman of the Kwara State Chapter of CSN, Prof. S. O. Oguntoye; the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof Abdullahi Baba Alafara; a former Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. U. B. Eke; the Head of the Department of Industrial Chemistry, Prof. F. O. Nwosu, and a former Deputy Director, Central Research Laboratories, University of Ilorin, Prof M. F. Zubair as well as the Coordinator of the Global Women Breakfast, Ilorin Zone, Dr A. Lawal, among several others.