FUTA Technologist represents Nigeria as sole candidate at Global Chemical Weapons Convention programme

Olatunde Awonyemi, Principal Technologist at the Central Research Laboratory of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has been selected to participate in the 2022 Associate Programme of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Awonyemi is the only Nigerian among the 26 experts drawn from various countries around the world to attend the high-profile training programme being held in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The Associate Programme is one of OPCW’s flagship initiatives aimed at enhancing global chemical safety and promoting the peaceful uses of chemistry. It is designed for professionals and expert from developing countries or nations with transitioning economies and is intended to build technical capacity, encourage the responsible use of chemical science, and support the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention in participating Member States.

The OPCW, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its work in eliminating chemical weapons, uses the Associate Programme to deepen participants’ understanding of the Convention’s goals and to develop a cadre of professionals who can contribute to the safe and secure use of chemical technologies. The programme also provides participants with practical knowledge that enables them to contribute meaningfully to chemical industries, regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and national authorities in their home countries.

Awonyemi and his colleagues will undergo intensive training that covers a wide range of areas, including developing methods and validation for analysis of chemicals, chemical engineering, safety management, industrial operations, and regulatory compliance. The programme is structured to combine hands-on experience with academic instruction. Participants will be trained at an internationally recognised university, where they will take courses relevant to process operations, mass balancing, risk assessment, and chemical safety.

In addition to technical knowledge, the training will also cover professional development areas such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. These soft skills are essential for effective management and implementation of chemical safety protocols in both public and private sector roles. Participants will also engage in a simulated company environment, applying their skills in realistic industry settings to reinforce their learning.

The programme further aims to facilitate international trade through the promotion of best practices in the chemical industry, and to strengthen local expertise by expanding the pool of trained personnel available to support national and regional chemical safety efforts. Through this initiative, the OPCW hopes to foster collaboration and build sustainable networks among Member States committed to peace and safety.

Olatunde Awonyemi’s participation in this year’s programme further established his expertise as an authority and subject matter experts in the field of analytical chemistry , a researcher and technologist with a focus on food safety and quality, animal production and nutrition, and the environmental impact of agricultural practices. His work at FUTA’s Central Research Laboratory has centred on the development and validation of innovative methodologies to ensure the safety of food and the sustainability of livestock production systems.

His selection for the OPCW Associate Programme is a testament to his professional achievements and has further establish the distinguished reputation of FUTA’s as one of the leading Universities in Nigeria.

In recognition of the significance of his participation in this international program, he is the only selected candidate selected to represent not just his University but the Country. His nomination was endorsed by the Federal republic of Nigeria to represent the country at this international program. This represents a national recognition of his expertise and experience in his field.

On completion of the programme, Awonyemi is expected to return with new expertise that will not only benefit FUTA but also contribute to Nigeria’s broader efforts in ensuring chemical safety, enhancing food quality systems, and safeguarding environmental health.