Stakeholders in Nigeria’s scientific and academic sectors have been urged to adopt modern safety standards and automate laboratory operations to reduce the risks associated with hazardous substances and protect laboratory workers.

An organic chemist at the University of Ibadan with a background in Science Laboratory Technology, Dr Oluwafunmilola Akinpelu, who made the call, stressed the urgent need for a stronger safety-first culture across laboratories in the country.

She said that despite the frequent use of highly toxic reagents in chemical processes, many labs still operate without essential safety procedures or equipment, putting personnel and the environment at risk.

Drawing from her recent research on robotic chemistry in South Africa, Akinpelu highlighted the importance of automating key laboratory processes such as extraction, reaction, synthesis, and waste management to minimise direct human contact with dangerous chemicals. She said these innovations not only improve efficiency but also significantly reduce the potential for accidents.

She pointed out that many laboratories lack access to critical safety tools and documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), safety checklists, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

In some cases, she noted, there are no designated safety officers to oversee laboratory practices, a situation she described as dangerous and unsustainable.

According to her, “The first focus of laboratory personnel should be safety and safety first, no matter the urgency of the work.” She said too many institutions prioritise results over procedures, which undermines safety and increases exposure to health risks.

Akinpelu advocated integration of digital innovations in laboratory operations, noting that automated and robotic systems offer transformative solutions to long-standing safety challenges. She emphasised the need for Nigerian institutions to align with global best practices by leveraging technology to improve laboratory safety.

Beyond laboratory automation, Akinpelu called for the adoption of virtual learning platforms in science education.

She explained that tools simulating chemical reactions and laboratory procedures could help students develop a strong understanding of safety protocols before entering physical lab environments.

She reiterated that prevention must be the cornerstone of laboratory practice, urging institutions to act swiftly in modernising their safety frameworks to better protect staff and students.