The Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) has expressed readiness to partner with the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in research development.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the UNILAG Management on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, National Vice President of the Institute, Majek Okunola Owoo said the research partnership between UNILAG and ICCON will focus more on the identification and use of chemicals.
The courtesy visit was ahead of ICCON’s 19th Mandatory Continued Professional Development (MCPD) Workshop, Induction and Investiture being hosted by the University of Lagos, from Wednesday, June 5 to Thursday, June 6, 2024.
The ICCON Vice President assured that the research partnership will be a continuous process which will aid curriculum development and ensure standard best practices in teaching, learning and application of Chemistry.
Speaking on behalf of the UNILAG Management team, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Management Services), Professor Lucian Obinna Chukwu appreciated the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) for the choice of UNILAG as venue for its 19th MCPD Workshop, Induction and Investiture.
He applauded ICCON for its choice of Chemical Security and Chemical Safety as the theme for the 19th MCPD Workshop, describing it as apt especially when viewed against the backdrop of the proliferation and uninhibited consumption of illicit herbal concoctions in Nigeria.
While welcoming the partnership offer from ICCON, Prof. Chukwu said UNILAG, through its African Centre of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), is working with regulatory bodies and other reputable institutions across West Africa to regulate the practice, production and application of Herbal medicines in Nigeria.
According to the DVC (Management Services), the partnership with ICCON will epitomize a stronger collaboration between the town and the gown as well as further hone the skills and broaden the horizon of faculty members.
After the courtesy visit, action shifted to the Tayo Aderinokun Hall of UNILAG for the 19th MCPD Workshop, Induction and Investiture ceremony.
Delivering the goodwill remarks, representative of UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola OON, FAS at the event, Prof Chukwu appreciated the delegates for their efforts in uplifting excellence in the field of chemistry.
He emphasized the need to “embrace innovation, leverage cutting-edge technologies and adopt progressive professional development programmes to equip practitioners with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in chemical safety and security”.
Prof. Chukwu, on behalf of the University Senate, Management, Staff and Students of UNILAG, congratulated the new Inductees and Fellows of the Institute and charged ICCON on the need to keep enhancing professional development and excellence in the field of chemistry.
The Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) was established by Decree 91 of 1993 (now ICCON ACT, CAP I.12 LFN 2004), it is a professional regulatory body statutorily charged with the responsibility of regulating the teaching, learning and professional practice of Chemistry profession in Nigeria. ICCON is under the Federal Ministry of Health.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photography: Islamiat Akanni
