By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto.
The coming together of leading scientists , policy makers and innovators under the the American Chemical Society (ACS) Nigeria to mark a decade of scientific excellence at it 10th Annual Symposium has opened a new space to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in shaping a sustainable future through chemistry. 
The assembly of the team of scientists last week at the NOUN Abuja, venue of the event according to Prof. Edu J. Inam, the Chair of ACS Nigeria, reflected on the milestone of its achievements over the past ten years.
The 10th anniversary and Annual Symposium had as it theme “Advancing Sustainability through AI-Driven Chemistry.”
Professor Inam said the 2025 event was not only a celebration of a decade of scientific exchange and collaboration but also a reaffirmation of ACS shared vision, leveraging chemistry to build a more sustainable world.
She noted with emphasis, the timeliness of this year’s theme, pointing out that as the world grapples with climate change, energy insecurity, and environmental degradation, AI-driven chemistry also presented unprecedented opportunities.
“AI is not replacing chemists, it is empowering us to think faster, design smarter, and innovate more sustainably,” she remarked.
She explained that “From green manufacturing to pollution control, AI is accelerating discoveries that will redefine our future.” while the Chair highlighted ACS Nigeria’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and global scientific cooperation, reinforcing the role of society as a catalyst for progress in Nigeria and beyond.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor of NOUN and Chief Host of the symposium, Prof. Olufemi Peters, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in chemistry.
“AI’s predictive and optimization capabilities are revolutionizing waste reduction, energy conservation, and process efficiency,” he said.
Prof. Peters represented by Prof. Chiedu F. Mafiana, the DVC (Academic) reaffirmed the dedication of NOUN to accessible, technology-driven education, urging the participants to translate the discussions at the symposium into actionable solutions.
“These conversations must extend beyond academia, they are vital to building a knowledge-driven economy in Nigeria and across Africa.”
The special guest and Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji disclosed that the Federal Government was piloting a programme for the training of 200,000 Nigerians in AI and emerging technologies towards positioning the nation as a leader in digital innovation.
Nnaji, represented by Dr. Patricks Oghuma, Special Assistant to the Minister and Team Lead, Technical & Administration at the Ministry’s Project Delivery, Monitoring and Evaluation (PROD-ME), highlighted the critical intersection of AI and chemistry:
A cording to him “We stand at the forefront of a revolution where AI and chemistry converge to unlock new possibilities. This synergy is key to driving sustainable innovation that benefits society and the economy”, he explained .
Similarly , Dr. Dorothy Philips, ACS President; Prof. Leroy Cronin of the University of Glassgow, UK who presented a keynote lecture; Prof. David Wu, ACS International District Director, Prof. Paul C. Onyenekwe, DG of Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja and representatives of other agencies of government were among the various speakers in attendance with
ACS Nigeria acknowledging partners, attendees, and supporters contributions to the success of the symposium while reinforcing its commitment to advancing chemical sciences for societal benefit.
