During his lecture titled "Recent Progress in Drug Discovery: Insights from Japan" at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa, Nigeria, facilitated by OAUSTECH's Center for Linkages and Internationalization, Prof. Takaya highlighted Nigeria's rich botanical resources and Japan's advanced research and technology capabilities to transform these resources into safe and effective products for the benefit of humanity and the environment.

Expressing optimism about the proposed partnership between his university and OAUSTECH, Prof. Takaya underscored the potential for mutual benefits in cutting-edge technology knowledge transfer, exchange programmes, and innovative drug discovery and enhancement for both institutions and their respective countries.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between Nigerian and Japanese scientists, emphasizing the substantial and reciprocal advantages that such cooperation could bring.

Prof. Takaya visited the OAUSTECH Botanical and Medicinal Plant Gardens

Prof. Takaya, known for his world-class research, visited the OAUSTECH Botanical and Medicinal Plant Gardens and the Central Research Laboratory, commending the university's leadership for the diversity of plant species in the gardens and the quality of equipment in the laboratory, while advising on their regular use and proper maintenance for optimal efficiency and reliable results.

During his visit, Prof. Takaya engaged OAUSTECH final year and postgraduate students on research opportunities in Japan, providing guidance on how to explore and leverage such opportunities for global research advancement, career development, and institutional growth.

In his opening remarks, OAUSTECH's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, emphasized the university's commitment to collaboration with leading scholars and institutions worldwide to promote intellectual exchange, scholarship, and development.

He highlighted the potential learning opportunities for the Nigerian government and scholars from Prof. Takaya and Japan.

The Acting Director of OAUSTECH's Center for Linkages and Internationalization (CLI), Dr. Abdulkabir Oladimeji, expressed appreciation for Prof. Takaya's knowledge, humility, dedication, and determination to inspire the next generation of scientists globally and contribute to humanity through his discoveries and innovations.

"The event marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration, sharing cutting-edge knowledge, networking, and promoting global innovation in pharmaceutical sciences", Oladimeji stressed.

Prof. Foluso Adetuyi, the University's Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, assured academic and postgraduate students of the university's readiness to support their research endeavours in Japan and other leading universities worldwide through Tetfund grants, echoing the Vice-Chancellor's commitment.

Similarly, Prof. Ilemobayo Oguntimehin, the Director of OAUSTECH's Center for Innovation, Research, and Development, commended Dr. Oladimeji for his efforts in attracting Prof. Takaya, a prominent Asian scientist, to Africa and Nigeria, highlighting the renowned humility and uncompromising quality of Japanese products worldwide.

The event attracted scholars, researchers, and professionals who participated online from various countries, including Japan, the UK, India, Ghana, Cameroon, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria. As a gesture of appreciation, Prof. Takaya was adorned with a traditional Nigerian attire known as adire "danshiki."

SIGNED
Abiodun Peter Okunniga, FITD, MNIM, MANUPA,
Registrar and Secretary to Council