Sparks of innovation: A Nigerian scientist at forefront of global fire, material research

When fire strikes, most people see only destruction. Dr. Raphael Oluwatoyin Ogabi sees something different: a challenge to solve, a phenomenon to understand, and an opportunity to protect lives. From his early days of teaching and researching in Kaduna to becoming a postdoctoral researcher at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in the United States, his journey reflects grit, passion, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Today, Dr. Ogabi stands at the intersection of fire science, sustainability, and innovation, pioneering solutions that may change how the world thinks about safety.

In this interview, Dr. Ogabi shares his journey, the science behind his discoveries, and his vision for the future of fire protection and sustainable engineering.

Can you share with us a brief information about yourself?

My name is Dr. Raphael Oluwatoyin Ogabi, from Lagos, Nigeria. I hold a PhD in Energy from INSA Centre Val de Loire, France, an MSc in Polymer & Textile Science and a BSc in Textile Science & Technology from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria, where I graduated as the best student from 100 to 500 level. I also earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from the Open University of Nigeria.

Currently, I am a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Massachusetts, USA, specialising in Fire Protection Engineering. I co supervised a PhD student at the Fire Protection Engineering Department of the institute. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a leading Institution when it comes to research in Fire Protection Engineering in the United States.

Can you go into the details about your area of specialisation?

My research sits at the intersection of material science and wildfire investigations. I focus on understanding the mechanical and fire behavior of polymer composites, while also studying how to determine the origin and causes of fires in wildland–urban interface areas. In essence, my work spans two key domains: developing safer, more resilient materials and advancing the science of fire investigation to help build stronger, fire-resistant communities.

What first drew you into the field of fire safety and forensic fire investigation?

It began during my undergraduate research project. I was fascinated by how materials, like people reveal their true nature under stress. This curiosity grew when I worked as a research associate under Dr. Jacob Akindapo, who nurtured my interest in fire behavior and investigation.

Ultimately, my passion comes from a desire to save lives and protect people, the same reason I once applied to study Medicine. Fire research gave me a new path to fulfill that calling.

You recently played a key role in a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded project on fire pattern indicators. What was the scope of this study and your contributions?

The NIJ project currently falls under my leadership, having taken over from the previous Post-Doctoral Fellow. It is well known that the frequency and intensity of wildland fires are on the rise, particularly in regions like the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe and increasingly, though to a lesser extent, in some areas of Africa.

This project seeks to answer a critical question: How can we accurately determine the origin of a wildfire after it has burned through?

To address this, we created controlled fire scenarios by placing everyday objects, such as stones, plastics, wood, and shrubs on vegetation beds and then analyzing the fire patterns they produced. Through forensic reconstruction and statistical analysis, we identified reliable indicators that investigators can use to pinpoint the exact starting point of a fire.

I had the privilege of leading both the field experiments and the laboratory campaigns for this study.

Your research used advanced tools like LiDAR scans, infrared cameras, and sonic anemometers. How did these improve your findings?

Each tool played a unique role in strengthening the study. Sonic anemometers captured wind conditions, an essential climate variable, particularly for estimating average wind speed. LiDAR scans provided before-and-after images of the burn site to assess vegetation changes. Heat flux and temperature sensors measured fire intensity and the level of damage to test objects, while infrared cameras tracked fire spread throughout the experiments.

Together, these tools ensured that our findings were scientifically rigorous and aligned with established guidelines such as NWCG PMS 412 and NFPA 921, both of which emphasize the critical role of scientific interpretation in modern fire investigations.

What are the key takeaways from your work?

First, our findings provide stronger tools for determining wildfire origins, particularly in legal cases where distinguishing between arson and natural causes is critical.

Second, they expand the scientific understanding of fire behavior, offering valuable insights for both prevention and firefighting strategies.

Finally, because so little has been published in this area, our results bring originality and depth to global wildfire research.

Your PhD research pioneered fire-retardant biocomposites. Why is this significant?

Natural fiber composites are eco-friendly and lightweight but highly flammable. Through Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM), I integrated fire-retardant systems into these composites, creating sustainable, fire-safe alternatives for buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure.

This breakthrough shows that sustainability and safety can coexist, offering greener solutions for industries under pressure to reduce carbon footprints.

How close are we to large-scale adoption of these sustainable materials?

Fire safe composites are already appearing in constructions, defense and aircraft because they combine low weight with strength and corrosion. In construction, they appear in façades, wall panels, bridge elements, and reinforcement bars. Their fire performance comes from smart recipes protective coatings, mineral additives, and non-burning layers and, crucially, from testing the whole wall or system, not just a small sample. In defense, these materials protect crews and equipment without adding unnecessary mass, showing up in interior panels, boat and vehicle parts, and protective liners designed to limit flames, smoke, and harmful gases. Aerospace applies the toughest rules of all: carbon-fiber structures and cabin panels must burn slowly, produce little smoke, and remain easy to inspect and repair.

Africa, too, is adopting them for coastal infrastructure, public buildings, patrol boats and airlines. However, challenges remain mainly the lack of fire-testing labs and certified systems.

The way forward is clear and practical: establish regional laboratories for flame, smoke, and full-scale wall testing so projects can be certified locally; set clear fire-safety standards in public and defense procurement; leverage local minerals as affordable, eco-friendly additives; and launch pilot projects such as FRP-reinforced bridges or fire-safe wall panels in public buildings to demonstrate real-world performance

How does your work align with national and global policy goals?

At present, I am working with Prof. Albert Simeoni, a French-American and Head of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at WPI. He is the Principal Investigator (PI) of the NIJ project and several others I am involved in. Prof. Simeoni is one of the world’s foremost pioneers in wildland fire investigation research.

As I mentioned earlier, I have also collaborated with Dr. Jacob Akindapo, and during my PhD defense, Prof. Serge Bourbigot, a globally recognized authority in fire-retardant materials, served as Jury President and examiner.

Through these collaborations, I believe I am already contributing to aligning research with national and global policy goals. At the core, every nation, including the United States, aims to safeguard lives and property. In the U.S., regulatory bodies such as ICC and NFPA set building material standards to ensure safety.

The NIST project, which I am also part of, directly addresses these fire-safety concerns. Its focus is the standardization of fire shelters in wildland–urban interface zones, and its outcomes are expected to strengthen and enhance existing building codes.

How important is international collaboration, such as with the U.S. Forest Service and European institutions in advancing your research?

My collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service was highly significant because, in the United States, no one is permitted to ignite vegetation without authorisation and supervision from the relevant authorities, whether at the state or federal level. One of the Forest Service’s key responsibilities is to oversee such operations.

Similarly, during my PhD research in France, beyond developing and testing bio-based fire-retardant composites, I also conducted fire tests on certain synthetic polymer composites supplied by Daher Manufacturing, an aerospace company with operations in France, the U.S., and other parts of the world. In addition to providing the materials, Daher equipped INSA CVL with a specialised fire-testing facility known as the NextGen Burner. In return, their synthetic polymer composites were tested for certification purposes.

These experiences highlight the importance of collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies, and industry in advancing the frontiers of research. This synergy is one of the key reasons the Western world has achieved such remarkable success in science and technology.

For Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, the lesson is clear: fostering stronger partnerships between universities, research bodies, regulatory authorities, and industries is essential for driving true national development.

If given the resources, what future project or innovation would you most like to pursue?

I would be truly excited to contribute my quota to national development, particularly in my area of expertise. However, I believe two critical points must be addressed for Nigeria to unlock the full potential of Research and Development (R&D). If properly implemented, these measures would not only drive innovation but also attract some of our finest minds in the diaspora back home, helping to close the widening gap created by brain drain.

From my experience working as a Principal Research Officer at the Nigerian Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Kaduna, I have observed these challenges firsthand.

First, there must be stronger collaboration between institutions, along with the provision of state-of-the-art research facilities that can compete with global standards. Without such infrastructure, it is difficult to produce groundbreaking results.

Second, researchers and scientists must be empowered to take proper care of themselves and their families. When personal welfare is neglected, it becomes unrealistic to expect them to sustain excellence in research and innovation.

This is exactly why nations like China and India are rapidly emerging as global powers—they have invested in both infrastructure and the well-being of their researchers. And it also explains why the United States, despite its challenges, remains a preferred destination for talent from across the world.

What keeps you motivated despite the rigors of research?

Simply put, what keeps me motivated is the knowledge that my work goes far beyond publications or awards. It has the power to protect lives, safeguard the environment, and inspire the next generation by creating a lasting legacy. That sense of responsibility and purpose outweighs the risks and challenges.

In terms of achievements, I am grateful for a few milestones. My publications are accessible online, and I have received several recognitions, including the prestigious PTDF scholarship for my PhD studies in France, arguably the most competitive scholarship program in Nigeria today. Notably, PTDF has since established an institution in Kaduna to run its Split Scholarship Program, where scholars are trained by world-class experts and facilities before being exposed abroad, a commendable step in the right direction.

I was also honored with the Best Paper Award for my PhD research at the international conference on Combustion Science and Progress at Imperial College London.

Before leaving Nigeria in November 2020, I founded a consultancy firm, Easy Concept Composites, where I mentored young Nigerian researchers and equipped them with valuable skills. Seeing them thrive today gives me immense joy. One of my mentees from 2012/13, for instance, graduated with first-class honors and is now pursuing his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution in the U.S. We still keep in touch, and I deeply respect his brilliance and drive.

For me, it is ultimately about fulfillment and legacy, knowing that my work not only advances science but also impacts lives and opens doors for others.

Finally, what message would you give to young scientists, particularly those from Nigeria and Africa, who aspire to contribute to global research and innovation?

To every young African scientist: the world is waiting for your ideas. Stay committed, stay curious, and stay resilient. You have the power to shape solutions and to prove that excellence knows no borders.

I also understand the challenges young people face in finding opportunities on this side of the world, I won’t shy away from that reality. But from my own journey, I can assure you: never despise the days of small beginnings.

Many years ago, I was teaching science subjects in secondary schools in Zaria, Kaduna State, just to make ends meet. I also tutored students privately to supplement my modest salary. Those experiences, though humble, shaped the foundation for where I am today.

The lesson is simple: find a problem your skills can solve, and remain consistent in pursuing it. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep building networks. This will position you for the opportunities that are out there. Go online, seek opportunities globally, you will discover that what you are searching for is also searching for you.

And above all, stay prayerful. I am a committed Christian, and I firmly believe in the God factor in the attainment of true success.