This esteemed honour, conferred on Dr. Olusola Ojelere on February 13, 2025, by the Nigerian Institution of Professional Engineers and Scientists (NIPES), marks a significant milestone in his distinguished career. The grade of Fellow (FNIPES) is the highest honour bestowed by the Institution, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements and made outstanding contributions to the fields of engineering and science.
This honour underscores Dr. Ojelere’s outstanding contributions to inorganic chemistry and materials science, particularly in the development of nanomaterials and thin films. His groundbreaking research includes the first-ever synthesis of vanadium monoxide (VOx) nanowires from a single-source precursor. This innovation has led to the development of highly sensitive electrochemical sensors for detecting ammonia at extremely low concentrations, as published in Dalton Transactions and The Journal of the Electrochemical Society.
With a PhD in Chemistry and years of experience in research and development (R&D), Dr. Ojelere is bringing innovative perspectives to the African scientific community, particularly in the area of data security through the adoption of Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs).
Dr. Ojelere’s latest advocacy is focused on transforming Africa’s R&D sector by championing the adoption of Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs). “In an era where scientific research is increasingly data-driven, secure and efficient documentation methods are essential,” says Dr. Ojelere. Traditional paper-based lab notebooks, while historically reliable, present challenges like data loss, inefficiency, and limited collaboration. Recognizing these obstacles, Dr. Ojelere is advocating for the widespread adoption of ELNs to revolutionize data management and protection for African researchers.
Dr. Ojelere recognizes that the future of scientific research in Africa depends on embracing digital solutions, with Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) offering key benefits such as real-time data capture, automated backups, and advanced encryption to safeguard against data breaches. It also enhances research reproducibility, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration, critical elements for advancing science in Africa.
With global competitiveness in scientific research on the rise, embracing digital tools like ELN is crucial for African institutions to stay at the forefront of innovation. Dr. Ojelere’s advocacy reflects the broader need for digital transformation in Africa’s R&D sector. He urges governments, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders to invest in digital infrastructure, train researchers on ELN platforms, and implement policies that support data security and integrity.
Building on his extensive experience as a Senior Manager of a leading R&D software firm specializing in bio- and chemoinformatics, Dr. Olusola Ojelere is uniquely positioned to advocate for the adoption of Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) in Africa’s R&D sector. Having worked with a globally recognized company, Dr. Ojelere has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of ELNs in enhancing research productivity, ensuring data integrity, and streamlining workflows in laboratories worldwide.
Recognized by NIPES for his outstanding contributions to academia and the R&D industry, particularly for his groundbreaking work in leveraging chemoinformatics for the design and synthesis of novel nanomaterials, Dr. Ojelere’s vision for a more secure and technologically advanced research ecosystem in Africa is both timely and commendable. Embracing such innovations is crucial to the future of scientific discovery on the continent, ensuring that Africa’s research output remains impactful, competitive, and securely preserved for generations to come.
The Nigerian Institution of Professional Engineers and Scientists (NIPES) is a distinguished body of experts in engineering and science. Established under Article 13 of Section 2 of the Constitution of Incorporated Trustees of the International Association of Professional Engineers and Scientists, NIPES promotes the exchange of research information and fosters collaboration across academia, research institutions, government agencies, and industry. As a member organization of Crossref, NIPES is at the forefront of advancing global scholarly research through digital infrastructure.
