The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, has called on the Federal Government and industry stakeholders to prioritise the commercialisation of university research as a tool for addressing national challenges and stimulating economic growth.

Oladiji made the call as academics, scientists and researchers from across Nigeria converged on FUTA for a three day Green Microbiology Global Summit examining the industrial applications of microorganisms in food production, healthcare, environmental sustainability and broader human development.

"Our mandate is teaching and research. How we can bring out quality products that can be commercialised and impact the situation of the country is important," she said, adding that universities must move beyond publishing research papers to generating products and services with real world impact.

A communiqué issued at the close of the summit called for stronger government funding and stakeholder collaboration to translate research outcomes into practical solutions.

The Summit convener, Dr. Adenike Akinsemolu, said the gathering was designed to shift public perception of microorganisms away from disease association and towards their largely beneficial applications. She noted that common food products such as pap, garri and yoghurt rely on microbial fermentation, and that the field of green microbiology specifically focuses on harnessing those positive roles.

"The purpose of this summit is to focus on the positive impacts of microorganisms. We are pioneering a new field called Green Microbiology, which examines how microorganisms, things we cannot see with our naked eyes, can help us improve our food, protect our ecosystems and maintain balance in the environment," she stated.

Akinsemolu added that the Society for Green Microbiology had been established to provide a structured platform for professionals, policymakers and businesses to collaborate on developing and regulating practices within the field.

The Head of FUTA's Department of Microbiology, Prof. Arotunpin Daniel, stressed that the value of research lay in its application beyond the laboratory.

"It is one thing to come out with research findings; it is another thing to translate them into products or services that can solve human problems. We need collaboration, funding and agencies that can partner with researchers so that we can take whatever we come up with to the larger society," he said.

The summit, held between Thursday and Saturday, drew university and secondary school students, academics, industry players and policymakers.