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Professor Adebola Oyedeji, a distinguished researcher in the Department of Chemistry, has made history by becoming the second researcher from Walter Sisulu University to be inducted into the prestigious Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).
ASSAf serves as the nation’s foremost institution dedicated to the promotion and advancement of scientific research, knowledge, and expertise across a diverse array of scientific and technological fields.
“I feel honoured and overjoyed to be part of an academy of distinguished and established scholars that seek to make a difference in their fields. This acceptance reflects, not only my personal journey, but also the collective efforts of my team and the support of my industry peers,” said Oyedeji.
The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and member of ASSAf, Prof Albert Modi, expressed great pride in Oyedeji’s achievement, applauding her role as a Life Scientist with a consistent and impactful research record in chemistry.
“Two things make Professor Oyedeji outstanding: Firstly, it’s her ability to conceptualise studies that combine basic and applied sciences and secondly, a good balance between research quantity and quality with direct evidence of innovation. This happens as she continuously grooms the next generation of experts from South Africa, the African continent, and abroad,” said Modi.
He added, “The impact of her research finds resonance in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape, where the South African government seeks to introduce change through science and innovation.”
Oyedeji's steady contribution to scientific research over the past several years, averaging 1.35 publications per year from 2015, surged significantly following her C2 NRF-rating in 2021, peaking at an impressive average of 4.75 publications in 2022.
She said, “At the core of my work is the belief that scientific research should drive meaningful change. I am committed to addressing the real-world challenges faced by underserved communities, blending innovative approaches with practical solutions to create lasting social impact.”
Oyedeji’s scientific accolades stem from her groundbreaking development of Creation Nervine Tea and Creation Arthritis Tea, which offer significant health benefits.
The Creation Arthritis Tea is specifically formulated to relieve pain, reduce swollen joints, and delay the onset of arthritis, while the Creation Nervine Tea has calming properties that support the management and treatment of mental disorders. These innovations reflect her dedication to integrating traditional African herbal knowledge into modern health solutions.
Her second project, the citrus project with Dr Yuseyon Hosu, involves using citrus waste to protect maize from pests like the granary weevil.
By repurposing citrus leaves and peels, her team developed a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to harmful pesticides, reducing environmental impact while safeguarding this essential African staple crop.
In a third major project, Oyedeji spearheaded research into hemp and cannabis, in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Hemp Producers Association.
This initiative focused on exploring the agricultural and commercial potential of hemp, particularly for the economic benefit of communities in the Eastern Cape, with a focus on unlocking its health benefits and advancing its commercialisation.
“I am continuously inspired by the dynamic nature of my environment, which fuels my passion for creating innovative projects that not only push the boundaries of creativity, but also contribute to sustainable job creation. This motivation empowers me to seek out opportunities for transformative impact, fostering both economic growth and societal progress,” said Oyedeji.
She added, “Through my work, I aim to bridge the gap between innovation and practical solutions, ensuring that my contributions lead to tangible outcomes that benefit communities and industries alike.”
The researcher’s recent induction into this prestigious academy not only recognises her significant contributions to the scientific community but also positions her on a promising trajectory toward potentially achieving a Nobel Prize in the future.
Meanwhile, her ambitions remain in elevating to the World Academy of Science.
By Ongezwa Sigodi
