A Professor of Science Education, Adekunle Oladipupo Bamiro, has called for a sweeping reform of Chemistry education in Nigeria, urging the government and stakeholders to abandon outdated syllabi in favour of curricula that reflect the demands of the 21st century.
Prof. Bamiro, who is also the Director of the Centre for Improvement of Teaching and Learning (CITEL) and Head of the Department of Chemical Sciences at Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, made the call while delivering the institution’s 35th Inaugural Lecture, themed: “Bridging the Gap: Rethinking Curriculum in Chemistry Education for the 21st Century.”
Speaking at the TETFund 2012 Hall, the university don decried the current state of Chemistry instruction, describing it as obsolete and disconnected from global realities.
He argued that rote memorisation and rigid examinations continue to dominate classrooms at the expense of critical thinking, creativity, and practical applications.
“We must urgently integrate modern topics such as Green Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Pharmaceutical Innovations, and Environmental Management.
“Chemistry must speak to Biology, Physics, Mathematics—even Economics and Ethics,” Prof. Bamiro declared.
He emphasised that the disconnect between the Chemistry curriculum and real-world challenges has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s slow pace in technological advancement.
According to him, most teachers are ill-equipped for modern instructional delivery and lack access to up-to-date teaching tools.
“Teachers need continuous professional development. Our labs are outdated, the teaching materials are poor, and government investment in research and education infrastructure is grossly inadequate,” he lamented.
The Professor identified persistent student apathy and dwindling interest in the sciences as outcomes of a broken system, where outdated curricula fail to inspire or prepare learners for innovation.
To reverse the trend, he recommended the adoption of digital tools such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Laboratories, and Molecular Modeling Software, which he said would make abstract concepts more accessible to students and compensate for the lack of physical laboratory infrastructure.
On assessment methods, Prof. Bamiro called for a shift from exam-driven evaluations to real-world-oriented strategies such as case studies, research presentations, and community-based projects.
He further advocated for deliberate policies to support girl-child participation in Chemistry and Science education, particularly in underserved communities.
“Providing mobile laboratories and open educational resources will help level the playing field for rural students,” he said.
Highlighting the link between Chemistry and national development, he stressed that Nigeria’s industrial, health, agricultural, and environmental sectors stand to benefit from a new wave of chemists trained with relevant skills.
“Our hospitals need chemists who understand drug formulation and diagnostics. Our farms require experts in eco-friendly fertilisers.
“Our industries must innovate sustainably, and our environment deserves chemists who can mitigate pollution and harness renewable energy,” he explained.
Prof. Bamiro concluded by urging a stronger collaboration between academia and industry to ensure Chemistry graduates are workplace-ready and innovation-driven.
Reacting, the Vice Chancellor of TASUED, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, praised Prof. Bamiro’s scholarly depth and long-standing contributions to the university and Nigeria’s education sector.
He commended him for his leadership as Chairman of the Board of the University’s Demonstration School, TASUED Secondary School, Igbeba, which he noted has consistently excelled in external examinations.
The well-attended lecture drew dignitaries including the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun; Registrar, Mr. Oladapo Oke; Bursar, Mr. Kabir Ogunneye; University Librarian, Prof. Adebambo Oduwole; and the Provost of the Postgraduate College, Prof. Olufemi Fatade.
Also present were traditional rulers, alumni, professional colleagues, staff, students, family members, and friends of the Inaugural Lecturer.
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