The Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences is pleased to celebrate ππ«. π πππ’π¦ππ‘ ππ©ππ²ππ¦π’ ππ¨π‘πππ¦ as our Spotlight Member of the Week.
Dr. Roheemβs journey in chemistry is one shaped by curiosity, persistence, and a strong interest in discovering useful compounds from natural sources. Her academic path began at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, where she obtained her B.Tech and M.Tech degrees, before proceeding to the International Islamic University Malaysia, where she earned her Ph.D. in 2018.
She currently serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, where she contributes to teaching, research, laboratory development, and the training of young scientists. Her professional journey has also included experience in science education and laboratory research in Nigeria and Malaysia.
Her expertise cuts across organic chemistry, natural products, bioanalysis, metabolomics, synthesis, chromatography, and the isolation, profiling, and characterisation of compounds from natural materials. Using techniques such as GC-MS, LC-MS, FT-IR, and NMR, her work seeks to understand the chemical components of natural products and explore their possible biological and medicinal value.
A significant part of Dr. Roheemβs research has focused on medicinal plants and naturally occurring compounds with antioxidant, antidiabetic, enzyme-inhibitory, and other biological activities. Her studies on plants such as Entada spiralis and Tetracera macrophylla demonstrate how natural resources can provide important starting points for understanding bioactive compounds and developing new approaches to health-related challenges.
Her work reflects an important connection between chemistry and human health. By studying plant extracts, isolated compounds, and their interactions with biological systems, Dr. Roheem contributes to the growing body of research exploring how natural products can support medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and the search for biologically active substances.
Dr. Roheem has authored and co-authored scholarly publications in national and international journals, including Molecules, Antioxidants, Journal of Herbal Medicine, and other scientific outlets. Her research record spans phytochemistry, antioxidant activity, antidiabetic studies, enzyme inhibition, natural-product chemistry, and related areas.
She has also presented and contributed research at scientific conferences in Nigeria, Malaysia, India, and other international settings. These engagements have provided opportunities to share findings, exchange ideas, and contribute to broader conversations in medicinal chemistry, natural-product research, green chemistry, and sustainable scientific development.
Beyond research, Dr. Roheemβs professional interests extend to laboratory equipment management and maintenance, reflecting her appreciation of the practical foundations required for strong experimental science. Her experience combines scientific investigation with the careful technical work needed to generate reliable laboratory results.
One quote that captures her personal philosophy is:
βWhat will be will be.β
Simple but reflective, the statement speaks to patience, acceptance, and the understanding that while effort and preparation are important, life sometimes unfolds in ways beyond our immediate control.
Away from her professional responsibilities, Dr. Roheem enjoys tourism, gardening, reading, and engaging in community health programmes. These interests reflect a life that extends beyond the laboratory into nature, learning, community service, and meaningful interaction with people.
Looking ahead, her long-term career vision is to become a Professor in the field of medicinal chemistry. Through continued research, teaching, mentorship, and scientific collaboration, she hopes to deepen her contribution to the study of natural products and medicinally important compounds while helping to train the next generation of chemists and researchers.
The Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences proudly celebrates Dr. Fatimah Opeyemi Roheem for her contributions to organic chemistry, natural-product research, medicinal chemistry, bioanalysis, scientific education, and laboratory science.
Her journey reminds us that some of the most promising scientific discoveries may already exist quietly in nature, waiting for careful observation, rigorous chemistry, and curious minds to reveal their potential.