The need for universities to commercialise research findings - FUTA Vice Chancellor.

FUTA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adenike Oladiji has called on the Federal Government and industry to prioritize commercializing research findings, urging universities to move beyond publishing papers toward developing products and services that drive national economic growth. She spoke at the three-day Green Microbiology Global Summit at the institution, which explored industrial applications of microorganisms in food production, environmental sustainability, and healthcare. A communique from the summit called for stronger collaboration and government funding to translate research into practical solutions. Summit convener Dr. Adenike Akinsemolu said the event aimed to counter the perception that microorganisms are mainly harmful. While microbes are linked to diseases like COVID-19, tuberculosis, and typhoid, she noted only a small fraction are harmful — most have beneficial uses, such as in fermenting foods like pap, garri, and yoghurt. She described Green Microbiology as a new field studying how microorganisms can improve food systems and protect ecosystems, and said the summit gathered university and secondary school students, academics, industry players, and policymakers to raise awareness. She also noted the newly established Society for Green Microbiology aims to bring stakeholders together to develop and regulate practices in the field, stressing that the lab's focus is strictly entrepreneurial — turning research into national development action. Prof. Arotunpin Daniel, Head of FUTA's Microbiology Department, said research success depends on translating findings into real-world solutions, calling for partnerships and funding to move innovations from labs to society. He added that green microbiology could also support conservation efforts through sustainable applications of microorganisms.