Professor Gloria Abiodun Ayoola, a pharmaceutical chemist at the University of Lagos, has called for greater exploration of Africa’s rich biodiversity to develop life-saving medicines from indigenous plants.
Delivering a lecture at the university, Professor Ayoola explained that plants such as the African walnut, star apple, guava, and bitter leaf contain potent compounds with antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. “Nature has never stopped giving,” she said, stressing that modern tools in chromatography and bioinformatics now make it easier to isolate bioactive compounds.
She also discussed her research on antimicrobial resistance, noting that slight chemical modifications to older antibiotics could revive their effectiveness against drug-resistant bacteria.
Professor Ayoola said combining traditional medicinal knowledge with modern chemistry and nanotechnology could position Africa as a global leader in drug discovery.
“Nigeria is blessed with many molecules that heal,” she added. “We only need to keep exploring, testing, and transforming them into medicines that improve lives.”
Her lecture drew applause from colleagues and students, including former UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tolu Odugbemi, who praised her for blending deep scientific insight with relatable storytelling.
