Have you ever felt that Chemists are not well recognized in Nigeria? Especially when 9 out of 10 admission seekers become desperate to study Medicine rather than Chemistry? Spontaneously, we yell “Chemistry, is the Mother of Medicine”. Sadly not even our own children will choose to believe us on this!
Interestingly, Nigeria is blessed with a breed of wonderful Chemists; eminent research scholars who are the brain behind every Faculty of (Applied) Science in virtually all our Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges! Simply put: “No Chemistry, No Science in Nigeria”. That’s just the truth!
In fact, Chemistry is much more than we practice in Nigeria! Just the way we remain the backbone of Science in Academics, that’s the way our beloved country is in dire need of Chemists to fix the industrial, environmental, agricultural, water and petroleum resources, health…sectors!
Of course, Chemistry is the bedrock of national development. Until Chemists lead entrepreneurial (industrial) course in Nigeria, nothing will work!
The Chemistry that Nigeria needs, right now is to translate Chemical Research for industrial manifestation. I mean Chemistry that solves problems to meet local and world needs! Chemistry that can create more chemical companies and become more relevant in the emerging digital economy hinged on material science to create employment opportunities for young graduate Chemists.
Yes, we can! Together, we can! The highest qualification to drive this desired leadership is EXPERIENCE! EXPERIENCE!! EXPERIENCE!!!
MEET MAJEK OKUNOLA OWOO (CSN/LAG/83/001)
Majek joined CSN since 1983 and has remained consistent for nearly 40 years! Precept upon precept, he rose through the CSN ranks to become a 2-Term Chairman of the vibrant Lagos Chapter and imcubent DVP South-West Zone, amongst several other positions at Chapter and National levels. A Fellow of CSN (2010) and ICCON (2012). A CSN Council Member (2007 to date) and ICCON Governing Board Member (2016 to date).
Majek Okunola Owoo holds a B.Sc. (Chem.), Masters in Business Administration degrees and has undergone several training programs locally and internationally, including:
•STANFORD Graduate School of Business – STANFORD Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies (SEED),Transformation Program as a Cohort 1 participant. SEED Centre, Accra Ghana, (July 2013 to January 2014).
•Chemical Safety Management in Africa, OPCW/EU, Pretoria- South Africa (May 2011)
•Promoting Chemical Safety in the African Region, OPCW/Bengiste Universite ,Wuppertal/Fed. Office, Germany, (Dec. 2011).
A versatile researcher and a entrepreneurial chemist. His CORE COMPETENCE include: Chemical Metal Pre Treatment Systems, Corrosion- Prevention, Protection & Controls.
Majek Owoo has served as a Chemistry Lecturer, Divisional Manager of the famous Berger Paints, a Consultant to State Governments and Leading Corporate Organizations in Nigeria and beyond including ANNAMCO (Enugu), PEUGEOT AUTOMOBILE (Kaduna), STEYR (Bauchi), National Trucks (Kano), MOBIL OIL , TOTAL, AGIP, LEYLAND (Ibadan), P.Z INDUSTRIES (Lagos), FIRST ALUMINIUM (Port-Harcourt), SIEMENS (Lagos), ABB ELECTRICAL and several others who have well established Chemical Pre Treatment plants.
Majek Owoo is currently the President/CEO, MABOLC INTERNATIONAL LTD. His company won The ALL WORLD NETWORK Award, as one of the 50 NIGERIA FAST GROWTH companies in 2010 by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).
He has also received several awards including: CSN Gold Award of Excellence (2019), ICCON Outstanding Chemistry Practitioner Award (2016) and AWARD of Excellence and Obafemi Awolowo University’s recognition of valuable contributions to The Faculty of Science and advancement of Pretreatment Systems, Corrosion Systems and Paints Manufacturing for National Development (2009).
A Set Man is needed for every season! At this crucial period in CSN National leadership history, we need a seasoned, visionary Chemist and a tested and trusted Manager with cognate experience and proven results in the industrial world to blend Chemistry theories and practice, as to impact meaningfully on CSN members and the larger society.
