By Victor Akinkuolie, Okitipupa

The Federal Government has granted a patent certificate for an innovative research invention to Dr. Cecilia Oluwamodupe, the Acting Dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa.

According to a statement from the Directorate of Information, Protocol, and Public Relations of the university, the certificate—dated May 26, 2025—was issued to Dr. Oluwamodupe for the development of an Automated Partial Extract Production Device.

Dr. Oluwamodupe developed the device in collaboration with Dr. Adesola Oluwaseun Adeleye. Both researchers are from the Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, School of Science, OAUSTECH.

The patent certificate, signed by Registrar Jane Igwe, grants Dr. Oluwamodupe and her colleague exclusive rights to the invention for 20 years, beginning from May 26, 2025.

The certificate reads:
“For the sole use and advantage of an invention for: Automated Parkia Extract Production Device.”

Oluwamodupe is an esteemed academic leader, currently serving as the Acting Dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences and Acting Director of the Olusegun Agagu University Leadership Academy.

Her research focuses on pharmaceutical biochemistry, particularly targeting metabolic diseases, erectile dysfunction, and cancer treatment. She has published over forty research articles in leading international journals and is a recipient of prestigious international awards and grants, including the Science Granting Council grant. .

Notably, she once discovered a bioactive compound capable of regenerating damaged pancreatic islet cells in Type 1 diabetic model mice. In 2021, she was recognised as Scientist of the Year by AD Scientists World Ranking at OAUSTECH.

Oluwamodupe credited her success to God and the university’s Vice-Chancellor for providing a research-conducive environment, stating that the invention is her contribution toward improving humanity.

“This invention took me six years to achieve. It is poised to aid in the production of extracts from natural sources for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical purposes,” she said.

Speaking on the development, the Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH, Professor Temi Ologunorisa, described it as a remarkable milestone in the university’s history.

While congratulating the university community, Prof. Ologunorisa emphasised that Dr. Oluwamodupe’s achievement underscores OAUSTECH’s unwavering commitment to innovation and research excellence.

He added, “Dr. Oluwamodupe’s relentless dedication to the advancement of knowledge and innovation serves as a profound inspiration to her colleagues and students. Her contributions to the university’s academic and research pursuits are truly invaluable.”

The university community, he noted, celebrates her accomplishment and looks forward to more groundbreaking research from her, stating, “This achievement further exemplifies OAUSTECH’s dedication to promoting innovation and academic excellence.”

Similarly, the Dean of the School of Science and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Academic Directors, Prof. Soji Fakoya, commended her for her tenacity and commitment to research, which led to the breakthrough.

Also speaking, OAUSTECH’s Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Foluso Adetuyi, described her as a top-tier researcher who blends theory with practice to generate knowledge and solve real-world problems. He praised her for blazing the trail.

The Director of Research, Innovation, and Development at OAUSTECH, Prof. Ilemobayo Oguntimehin, also lauded Dr. Oluwamodupe, noting that her excellence stems from hands-on lab experience and a commitment to lifelong learning. “I’m proud to be associated with her,” he said.

Ms. Winifred Olayemi Akinwumi, who holds an MSc from OAUSTECH and was supervised by Dr. Oluwamodupe, praised her mentor. She added that students supervised by Dr. Oluwamodupe often gain admission into top research universities in the U.S. and Canada.