Professor Ananwude Raphael Chikwenze of the Department of Physics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), has called on government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen scientific research infrastructure through improved laboratory facilities, reliable electricity and sustained funding to advance Nigeria’s technological development.
He made the call while delivering the university’s 14th inaugural lecture titled “Thin Films, Big Possibilities: The Physics of Semiconductor Materials for Energy and Sustainable Technology”
Chikwenze emphasized that scientific advancement requires more than research ideas and academic publications, noting that functional laboratories, access to specialised equipment and institutional support are essential for translating scientific discoveries into practical technological applications.
Drawing from his research in semiconductor materials and thin-film technology, he explained how variations in temperature, pH, precursor concentration, deposition time, film thickness, thermal annealing and composition influence the properties of semiconductor materials.
Citing his studies on lead selenite (PbSe), cadmium selenide (CdSe) and nickel oxide/lead sulphide (NiO/PbS), the professor demonstrated how controlled processing conditions could produce measurable changes in the optical properties of thin films.
He also highlighted emerging research opportunities in sustainable functional materials, including coconut-shell and periwinkle-shell biocomposites, as well as materials with potential applications in energy storage.
While reflecting on the challenges of experimental research, Chikwenze disclosed that limited access to specialized equipment had sometimes required his research samples to be transported to institutions in Akure, Ile-Ife, Abuja and Nsukka for scientific analysis, as he advocates the integration of experimental research, computational modelling, scientific data and artificial intelligence.
He noted that combining these approaches could improve research efficiency and strengthen scientific investigations and called on AE-FUNAI and Nigerian Universities to establish an interdisciplinary materials-research platform to develop shared facilities for specialized scientific investigations.
Prof. Chikwenze further urged government to provide dependable infrastructure and sustained multi-year funding, while encouraging industries to strengthen research partnerships with universities to facilitate the translation of scientific findings into practical technologies. He stressed that the future of materials research depended not only on scientific discoveries but also on the enabling environment, collaboration, infrastructure and sustained investment needed to achieve scientific excellence and transform research outcomes into useful technologies.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, represented by the Duty Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Romans Ejiaga, described the inaugural lectures as significant academic platforms for disseminating research findings, showcasing the intellectual contributions of scholars and advancing the frontiers of knowledge. He noted that such lectures provide an opportunity for academics to share the outcomes of years of dedicated research, stimulate intellectual discourse and inspire further inquiry into emerging areas of knowledge.
He reaffirmed AE-FUNAI’s commitment to promoting research, innovation and intellectual development, stressing that the University remained focused on creating an enabling environment for academic excellence and impactful scholarship.
The Vice-Chancellor commended Prof. Chikwenze for his scholarly contributions and dedication to research, noting that his lecture had further demonstrated the importance of scientific inquiry in addressing societal challenges and driving technological advancement while urging emerging scholars to draw inspiration from the achievements of established academics.
The Inaugural lecture concluded with a renewed call for stronger investment in research, interdisciplinary collaboration and the application of scientific discoveries too practical and challenges, reinforcing AE-FUNAI’s commitment to academic excellence and it’s contribution to national development.
The event featured decoration of the Inaugural lecturer to a distinguished Professor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike.
