Dr Olugbenga Solomon Bello
Olugbenga helps the environment and people of Nigeria with
his research into local agricultural wastes as well as mentors
students to reach their potential.
Olugbenga grew up in Ogbomoso, a town in South West
Nigeria, where he developed an inquisitive nature as a child.
His curiosities often lead him to question what was in the
food he ate and the water he drank as a want to understand
the world around him.
I have since found out that the answers to these questions
are found in studying chemistry.
A strong bond with chemistry
Transitioning from his secondary school at the Anglican
Grammar School to Ladoke Akintola University of
Technology in his home town, Olugbenga initially wanted
to become a medical doctor but met several brick walls.
After delving into all the sciences, he discovered his love
and ability in chemistry and attained a B. Tech degree in
Chemistry. One aspect of Chemistry he particularly
enjoyed was entering the world of atomic and subatomic
particles.
The fact that there are a finite number of these
building blocks but an infinite realm of possibilities for
their combination is itself, mind-blowing.
After his undergraduate degree, he went on to complete
his MSc and PhD in Physical Chemistry at the University
of Ibadan, Nigeria where he faced one of his biggest
challenges. ‘If you don’t publish you perish’ is a saying
heard too often in academics. With little understanding of
research and publications, Olugbenga was concerned that he
would be left behind and sought help from his seniors.
Leading to a denied promotion at a critical time in his career
from a lack of publications, Olugbenga turned his negative
experiences into positive ones.
I looked inwardly to understand this ‘publishing mystery’ and
through intuition and dedicated commitment, I had a
breakthrough and I caught up with my colleagues in a flash. It
taught me to be a deep thinker who is proactive and not a
parasitic or kangaroo researcher.
Winners never quit, quitters never win
Olugbenga is an Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry at
LAUTECH where his research focuses on adsorbing dyes and
heavy metals from waste water using low cost adsorbent
material. By using waste materials sourced locally within
Nigeria, he aims to clear up the same environment from which
it is generated. In the long term, he is working towards using
these waste materials and adsorption techniques to clean up
the oil spill in riverine areas of the Niger Delta in Nigeria to
make the water suitable for domestic use.
As well as teaching and research, Olugbenga is a mentor
where he helps young people in terms of educational
achievement, health and safety and on a social and emotional
level. With research showing that students who experience
good mentoring have a greater chance of securing academic
positions and career advancement, he sees the importance in
terms of passing on knowledge, skills and personal support to
students.
Mentoring students gives me joy and fulfilment as I see most
of my mentees taking giant strides in various walks of life.
In 2012, Olugbenga won the African Union Third World
Academy of Science Award which he describes as a reward for
his hard work. The award has inspired him even further in
discipline, diligence and determination.
Discipline means the willingness to make sacrifices and obey
rules to get results. I remember hearing my parents say, ‘do
the things other people won’t do now, so that you can do the
things others can’t do later.’ I always keep that in mind when
I grow my career and build the future I see for myself.
Olugbenga’s determination is clear. The experiences he’s had
throughout his career have not only shaped his attitudes
towards his work but also his wish to help others. By
improving communication, handling challenges correctly and
learning from each other, he sees that anyone can advance in
science. He advises:
Chemistry is an exciting field of science that is rewarding and
fulfilling. When you are tempted to quit, then you are nearer
the answer. I always remember the saying, ‘winners never
quit, and quitters never win.’
Words by Jenny Lovell
Images courtesy of Olugbenga Solomon Bello
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