By Victor Akinkuolie, Okitipupa

A call has gone to the government at all levels to demonstrate greater commitment to research development by allocating more funds to mycological researchers to enable them showcase their discoveries and contributions to national growth.

The charge was given by a Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Biological Sciences, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Prof. Soji Fakoya, while delivering the 7th Inaugural Lecture of the university on Thursday.

Prof. Fakoya, who also doubles as the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the university, specifically appealed to the Ondo State Government to establish a world-class, state-of-the-art mushroom facility in the Southern Senatorial District of the State, precisely within the OAUSTECH campus.

He said such an initiative would go a long way in boosting the cultivation of edible and medicinal mushrooms, promote intellectual advancement and stimulate robust research activities in the field of mycology.

Speaking on the topic: “Mycological Marvels: Unlocking the Much-Rooms in the World of Mushrooms,” the Ilara-Mokin-born academic described mushrooms as crucial allies in tackling modern environmental and health-related challenges, with the ability to convert organic waste into valuable bio-resources.

He said: “The importance of mycological research cannot be overemphasised. Enhanced research and innovation in the field of edible fungi will inevitably advance the health sector and foster ecological balance.”

Describing mushrooms as nutritional fungi, Prof. Fakoya explained that their consumption and derived products by people across all age brackets contribute meaningfully towards the actualisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He called for increased public enlightenment on the health benefits of edible mushrooms, pointing out that beyond their nutritional value, mushrooms also have significant industrial potential.

The don stressed the importance of strategic collaboration between academic researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to improve the scope and impact of mycological research in Nigeria.

According to him, such partnerships would lead to better fungal-based products and further drive national development.

He also urged government to prioritise consistent power supply to research institutions, noting that uninterrupted electricity remains vital to sustainable scientific progress.

Prof. Fakoya further encouraged scholars and stakeholders to delve deeper into the mycological domain, describing it as a fertile ground for untapped innovations that could transform lives.

He appealed to the public to support and nurture the emerging field to cultivate what he termed “future enriched marvels of mushrooms.”

In his remarks at the event, the Vice Chancellor of OAUSTECH, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, described the 7th inaugural lecture as another significant milestone in the university’s history.

While congratulating Prof. Fakoya on the feat, Prof. Ologunorisa described him as a distinguished orator and urged other academics to remain focused on their goals, prioritise originality in research and commit to excellence in scholarly pursuits.

The event, held at the university’s auditorium along Igbokoda Road, Okitipupa, attracted the institution’s principal officers, academics from within and outside Ondo State, students, friends, family members and kinsmen of the inaugural lecturer, among others.