A Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Adebisi Olonisakin has called on government and stakeholders to prioritise funding for research into medicinal plants, stressing its potential to transform healthcare delivery and drive economic growth in Africa.
Olonisakin made the call on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, while delivering the institution’s 57th inaugural lecture titled “Nature’s Pharmacy: Unlocking the Secrets of Plant Secondary Metabolites.”
He emphasised the need for increased investment in research exploring both known and untapped health and industrial benefits of plant secondary metabolites, noting that Africa must develop indigenous, science-driven solutions to its health challenges.
“Secondary metabolites are nature’s valuable compounds that have contributed significantly to human well-being, safety and economic activities. These compounds have been a rich source of medicines, food additives, and other valuable products,” he said.
He explained that these natural compounds, found in different parts of plants such as leaves, roots, bark and seeds, play protective roles in plants and have become vital in the development of drugs and other industrial products.
The professor urged researchers and students to focus more on local plant resources, noting that Nigeria is endowed with numerous medicinal plants whose potentials remain largely underexplored.
He also highlighted the relevance of plant-based research in addressing persistent health challenges such as malaria, especially in the face of increasing resistance of mosquitoes to conventional insecticides.
According to him, there is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies for vector control through scientific exploration of plant-derived compounds.
Olonisakin, however, identified key challenges in the field, including complex extraction processes, low yield of compounds, instability of substances, structural diversity, and limitations in analytical techniques.
To overcome these barriers, he advocated integrated scientific and policy approaches, including the establishment of botanical gardens across states, development of biotechnology research centres, and improved laboratory infrastructure.
He also called for the promotion of conservation awareness through educational institutions and community-based initiatives, alongside the approval and regulation of complementary herbal medicine.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, described the inaugural lecturer as a distinguished scholar whose research bridges traditional knowledge and modern science.
He commended Olonisakin’s contributions to solution-oriented research, noting that his work continues to advance academic knowledge while addressing societal needs.