Felix Ogunmokun is a soil and environmental expert and postdoctoral scholar at the University of California (UC), United States, where he also serves as the Chair of the UC Davis Postdoctoral Scholars Association. In this interview by AYO AKANO, he speaks about his work and other issues.
There has been a clarion call on diaspora Nigerian scholars, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and businesspeople to return to invest and contribute to the development of Nigeria. How do you react to this?
I believe all Nigerians have a responsibility to contribute to our country’s development, whether at home or abroad. I am actively exploring ways to apply my expertise in Nigeria. In the past two years, I have conducted free teaching workshops at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), sharing my knowledge and giving back to the community.
I am eager to collaborate with Nigerian universities and research institutions to mentor students and develop sustainable solutions for local challenges. I also want to engage with policymakers to promote evidence-based decisions and advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. While I am currently focused on my research and career in the US, I am committed to contributing to Nigeria’s development in the long term.
Food insecurity has been facing Nigeria for some years now, with little hope to recover from it. As an agronomist and agricultural expert, what do you think the government and citizens of Nigeria could do to make food and other agro products sufficient in the country?
Tackling food insecurity in Nigeria requires a multi-pronged approach. The government needs to invest in agricultural research, improve infrastructure for storage and distribution, and implement policies that support smallholder farmers, encourage innovation, and facilitate market access.
Citizens can play their part by supporting local farmers, reducing food waste, and adopting sustainable consumption habits. Promoting agricultural education and empowering youth in agriculture is also vital. Nigeria has the potential to be food-sufficient. We need to implement the right strategies and empower those who can make it happen.
As a soil and environmental expert, how would you advise Nigerians on how to mitigate or control the effect of climate change?
Climate change is a global issue with local impacts. Protecting and restoring ecosystems, especially forests and wetlands, can increase resilience to floods. Avoiding dumping waste in water bodies, which can block waterways and contribute to flooding, and avoiding construction along waterways is also crucial.
Most Nigerians believe that, politically and economically, the country is not faring well. Do you think that ‘japa’, like you did, is the best option for such Nigerians? Or do you have other advice for them?
I want to emphasise that I didn’t “japa.” I pursued advanced knowledge to benefit Nigeria. While leaving might offer opportunities for some, it is not the only solution. Nigerians can drive positive change by engaging in the political process, demanding accountability from leaders, and supporting initiatives that promote good governance and economic development. I believe there are opportunities for bright students to train abroad, this is empowerment, not “japa.”
How often do you visit Nigeria? If you were to advise President Tinubu on how to make Nigeria better than it is now, what would you say to him?
Due to my commitments, I have not visited Nigeria as often as I would like, though I returned in 2022 and 2024 to teach. I maintain strong ties and follow developments closely.
I would advise President Tinubu to prioritise investments in education, science, and technology to drive innovation and economic growth. Maintaining a stable energy supply is vital for food security, scientific advancement, and resilience to climate change. I would also urge him to promote good governance, transparency, and accountability to foster trust and create an environment for economic and social progress.
It has been nine years since you started your overseas postgraduate and postdoctoral studies in Israel and the United States. How has this journey been for you so far?
Leaving Nigeria in 2014 for my master’s degree programme at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem was the start of an incredible journey. After excelling in the programme, I transitioned to research, ultimately completing my PhD in Soil and Water Sciences in 2022. Then, I was offered a postdoctoral position at the University of California (UC), Davis, a leading institution in agricultural research.
These past ten years have been transformative. Academically, I have gained expertise in soil and water science, honed my research skills, and contributed to important discoveries, particularly in remediating water-repellent soils and mitigating groundwater contamination.
Personally, immersing myself in different cultures has broadened my perspectives and made me more adaptable. I have developed independence, resilience, and a global outlook that enriched all aspects of my life.
You currently have engagements with the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources at the University of California, Davis. Could you tell us about your work and service there?
At UC Davis, my research focuses on sustainable water management and agricultural practices. I am currently involved in projects assessing how conservation practices can reduce nitrate leaching into groundwater, a crucial issue for protecting drinking water, especially in rural areas. I am also evaluating winter flooding as a way to reduce boron toxicity in almond orchards, which can boost crop yields and sustainability.
Beyond research, I manage a major USDA grant focused on sustaining groundwater and irrigated agriculture in the South-West. I also serve as the Chair of the UC Davis Postdoctoral Scholars Association, where I advocate for my peers and organise professional development activities. Through these roles, I aim to contribute to the university and address critical environmental challenges.
Your areas of research and expertise are environmental analysis, soil analysis, environment protection, etc. As a postdoctoral scholar, what major contributions have you made in these fields that can help solve local or global agricultural problems?
My research tackles challenges in soil and water management for agriculture. One key contribution is developing methods to remedy water-repellent soils, which hinder water and nutrient uptake by plants and can lead to groundwater contamination. My work shows that using wetting agents can significantly improve water penetration and distribution, increasing productivity and conserving water. These findings have broader relevance due to the growing use of wetting agents in various applications, including pesticides, cleaning agents, oil recovery, and contaminant removal.
Additionally, I have contributed to understanding how farming practices impact nitrate pollution in groundwater, a significant concern for those relying on it for drinking water. This research can inform policies and promote sustainable solutions. By improving soil health and water management, we can enhance agricultural sustainability, conserve resources, and contribute to food security globally.
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