By Kehinde Akinlade
Between the 4th and 7th May 2025, while the people of Yewaland, Ogun State were busy living daily life, Olokuta, Yewa South born beauty with brain, Adetoro Osanyinbi was in far away Abuja, the nation’s capital, making the good people of Yewaland and Ogun State in general proud on academic big stage. Right before science scholars of great repute from across the nation and beyond, she was announced as the 3rd placed winner of American Chemical Society research presentation. Adetoro had presented Synthesis of a new thienopyridine derivative (TOC 1) and its _insilico_ activity against Ischaemic Stroke
Kehinde Akinlade caught up with Adetoro Osanyinbi for a chat about her 3rd place podium finish in a contest of highly skilled chemistry scholars which has earned her recognition and cash award and brought fame home to Yewaland and Ogun State.
Her recognition came during the 10th Annual Symposium of American Chemical Society (ACS) held at the Conference Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Abuja from 4th to 7th May, 2025.
Excerpts…..
Please Adetoro, introduce yourself to our esteemed readers.
Adetoro: I am Adetoro Ajibike Osanyinbi, a native of Olokuta, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. I earned a First-Class B.Ed in Chemistry from the University of Ibadan (affiliated with Federal College of Education, Abeokuta) in 2018. I served my country at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu and later pursued an M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry at the University of Ibadan, graduating with a 6.9/7.0 CGPA in 2024. Presently, I teach Chemistry at Yewa Secondary School (Senior) Igbogila as a teacher in the employment of Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).
How was your growing up years like?
Adetoro: Growing up with both parents as teachers was a blessing. Despite being in a business focused community with limited academic support, I was deeply inspired by my parents and my Chemistry teacher in secondary school, Late Mrs. Adeoye. That environment sparked my passion for science and teaching.
Why did you chose of Chemistry as your preferred field of study?
Adetoro: My father encouraged me to study Mathematics due to my strong aptitude in calculations but I was naturally drawn to Chemistry, especially Organic Chemistry because of its real world applications in areas of life like drugs production and fuel. My interest in natural products and their roles in drugs discovery inspired me to pursue advanced studies in the field.
You are a member of American Chemical Society (ACS), how did that happen?
Adetoro: I learned about American Chemical Society during my Master’s degree program at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria through Prof. Ganiyat K. Oloyede, the ACS Faculty Advisor for University of Ibadan Student Chapter. I became a registered member of the society in December 2022 and I have since volunteered for several chapter activities, seminars and conferences.
ou made it to a 3rd place finish in the research work presentation, a big deal for a scholar from your humble background . What motivated you into entering the competition?
Adetoro: The 2024 American Chemical Society Africa Regional Conference opened my eyes to many opportunities ACS offers. Seeing other students present their research inspired me to aim for the 2025 Conference. So, when the call for abstracts for the 2025 Conference was opened, I submitted my abstract. After I received a letter of acceptance from the ACS Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter, I proceeded with designing my presentation which was Synthesis of a new thienopyridine derivative (TOC 1) and its _insilico_ activity against Ischaemic Stroke. Only after that, it came to my knowledge that there would be cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places winners, sponsored by IOP Publishing Company. For me, it was never about winning but about sharing my research.
Can you let us into more details of the competition?
Adetoro: There was a virtual seminar on Effective Poster and PowerPoint Presentation Skills, organized by ACS Nigeria Committee on Student Chapters in collaboration with the Committee on Activities and Outreaches on the 21st of March, 2025. I made my poster design in line with what I learnt from the virtual seminar, and I did my best in presenting my research to the judges.
How tough was it?
Adetoro: It didn’t feel like a competition to me. I presented my work with the mindset of sharing knowledge and learning from others. Engaging with attendees and receiving feedback from experts like Dr. Louis Hitler from the University of Calabar made it a rich, rewarding experience.
Your prize ?
Adetoro: I was awarded 3rd place prize, a certificate and cash prize of ₦170,000.
Tell us about the American Chemical Society
Adetoro: The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is committed to improving lives through the transforming power of chemistry. The mission is to advance scientific knowledge, empower the global community and champion scientific integrity. Our vision is a world built on science.
What benefits lie in being a member?
Adetoro: Members enjoy discounts on ACS meetings, workshops, and conferences registration fees. Other benefits are access to complete library of LinkedIn learning resources, access to ACS Journals, ACS publications, networking, publishing opportunities, discovery reports, awards, grants, and fellowship
hat is your plan for the future after the big recognition and award?
Adetoro: Definitely, this is just the beginning of building my research community. This award has reignited my passion for Chemistry. I plan to expand my research in drug discovery, pursue collaborations and publish scholarly work. I’m excited about new opportunities and determined to make meaningful contributions to science.
Using the award as a point of contact, what will be your message to students of chemistry generally?
Adetoro: They should not let doubt dim their sparks, they should fight inferiority complex. If they could dream it, they can achieve it. Pursue your passion with dedication, perseverance and open mind. Seek knowledge from the right sources. Also, do not underestimate the power of prayer, it works wonders. Grace found me, and can as well find you.
Women in Chemistry, what is that about?
Adetoro: During ACS Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter Conferences, there’s always a section for “Women in Chemistry” which is for women to encourage one another, stay focused, work hard and have a fulfilling career. Meaning that, Chemistry is not gender-bias, male or female, we are colleagues and we should drive the chemistry world together. The assumption is that Chemistry is an abstract and volatile subject but we have distinguished individuals with excellent records in this field. So, ask yourself, why not me? What can I do better? What can I discover? How will I leave my mark? The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams says Eleanor Roosevelt.
Dare to dream it and be determined to get it.
What is your message for Yewa youths?
Adetoro: Yewa is known for trading and farming but education remains the key to sustainable development. I urge young people to value academic pursuits. Education goes beyond facts—it shapes how we think and solve problems. Let us harness the wealth of our region through knowledge and innovation. While commerce runs in our veins, I urge my peers to balance business savvy with academic pursuit. Education is more than facts; it shapes how we think and innovate. As George Washington Carver said, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” Let’s harness our natural resources and our intellectual gifts together because true prosperity lies at the intersection of wisdom and opportunity. We need this wisdom; it is profitable to all. My journey is a reminder that talent can rise from any corner when nurtured with passion, purpose, and perseverance. As I continue to blaze the trails in the field of Organic Chemistry, my story will no doubt inspire many more to dream big, work hard, and believe in the power of education.
