28/09/2026
UNN Alumna Wins 2026 Women in Chemicals Award
The University of Nigeria is glad to celebrte one of its alumnae, Oluwaseun O. Ajayi, who was recently named the 2026 Woman of the Year by Women in Chemicals, an international community dedicated to advancing women in the chemical industry.
Ajayi, a 2018 graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, studied Science Education, Chemistry at the UNN before proceeding to the United States for further studies. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Georgia, where her academic and research interests span chemical sciences, innovation and sustainability.
Her recognition reflects her contributions to scientific research, innovation, sustainability, leadership and the empowerment of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The award recognises women whose work advances the chemical research and industry while promoting professional development, inclusion and opportunities for others. Ajayi is one of the youngest finalists ever recognized for the Women in Chemicals Woman of the Year Award. She emerged top among the three finalists for the 2026 award.
Other women who made the list of the top three includeed Andrea Croslyn of Bakelite Synthetics and Jackie O’Neil of Newleos Therapeutics.
Ajayi’s research interests span bioanalytical chemistry, enzymology, structural biology, omics research and computational modelling. Her doctoral research includes the study of AprL, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of apramycin, an antibiotic, with implications for understanding antimicrobial resistance.
Beyond her academic research, she contributes to biotechnology innovation through her work with Johnson & Johnson’s Cell Engineering and Analytical Sciences group, where she has been involved in laboratory automation and robotic work-cell initiatives aimed at improving research efficiency, data quality and scalability.
Beyond the laboratory, Ajayi has distinguished herself through professional leadership, volunteerism and advocacy. She serves in leadership roles in professional and community organisations, including the Spring House Intern and Co-op Association Leadership Team and Women in Cleantech and Sustainability.
Ajayi’s achievement reflects the contributions of University of Nigeria graduates to scientific research, technological innovation and professional leadership on the international stage.
The University celebrates Oluwaseun O. Ajayi on this achievement and wishes her greater success in her academic pursuits, scientific career and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists.