Grace E. Iniama
About me
A Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Calabar, Nigeria, with nearly 30 years of academic experience, rising from Lecturer II to full Professor. My research focuses on the synthesis and application of Schiff bases, metal complexes and magnetic nanoparticles, with applications in antimicrobial treatment, corrosion inhibition, catalysis, and cancer therapy. I have published in international journals and collaborated on global research projects.
I currently serve as Head of Department and Chairperson of the Postgraduate Board of Studies, and have held leadership roles such as Faculty Senate Representative and External Assessor for professorial appointments. I coordinate the Women in Chemistry, Cross River State Chapter, aligning local activities with global networks like OWSD, CSN, ACS, and RSC. A committed mentor, I have supervised numerous students, including Ph.D. graduates, and facilitated capacity-building programs for science teachers.
An advocate for equity and inclusion, I champion women’s participation in STEM and have represented Nigeria at the OWSD Fourth General Assembly. I am also an innovator, publishing scientific content on Amazon Kindle and advancing cutting-edge research in cancer nanotechnology.
Professor Grace E. Iniama is a distinguished Nigerian academic with nearly 30 years of experience in the field of Inorganic Chemistry. She currently serves as a Professor and Head of the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry at the University of Calabar, Nigeria where she has progressed through the academic ranks from Lecturer II to full Professor. Her research expertise lies in the synthesis, characterization, and application of Schiff bases, metal complexes, with practical applications in antimicrobial activity, catalysis, and corrosion inhibition. She has also contributed to advanced cancer research through international collaborations, particularly in Spain, where she worked on synthesizing LaCaMnO₃ and LaSrMnO₃ nanoparticles for magnetic fluid hyperthermia.
Professor Iniama has published extensively in reputable international journals such as Science Direct, Materials Today Communications, and the Journal of Applied Physics. She has also embraced innovative methods of knowledge dissemination, becoming a Master Creator and Kindle book publisher on Amazon in 2022, expanding the reach of her scientific work beyond traditional academic channels.
Her leadership experience is extensive and multifaceted. Since 2024, she has led the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, overseeing its academic, research, and administrative operations. She has chaired the Departmental Postgraduate Board of Studies since 2018, guiding the strategic development and quality assurance of postgraduate programs. She has served as a Faculty Senate Representative (2015–2017) and is a member of key university committees such as the Departmental Committee on Appointments and Promotions. Beyond her home institution, she contributes to academic standards as an External Assessor for professorial appointments at Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Port Harcourt.
Professor Iniama is an advocate for women in science and plays an active role in national and international scientific networks. As Coordinator of the Women in Chemistry, Cross River State Chapter since 2017, she has organized numerous programs to empower female scientists and aligned local initiatives with national and international professional bodies, including the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), American Chemical Society (ACS), and Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Her efforts have helped increase female participation in the field from 25% in 2017 to a projected 40% in 2025. She has attended CSN training workshops and represented Nigeria at the OWSD Fourth General Assembly in Beijing, where she presented on “Gender Mainstreaming in the Global Scientific Community.”
Her commitment to mentorship is evident through her supervision of undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. students, including sustained mentorship of scholars like Dr. Lorkpiligh Terungwa Isaac. She has also contributed to science education at the community level, serving as a Facilitator for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Calabar Study Centre and as a Resource Person for science and mathematics teacher training workshops in Akwa Ibom State across multiple years (2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014).
In addition to academic duties, she has worked with other institutions as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Uyo (2010–2016) and Cross River University of Technology (now University of Cross River State, 2017–2020), and as an External Moderator for the Federal College of Education, Obudu. She has successfully secured external research funding, notably from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) between 2013 and 2014.
Professor Iniama is passionate about bridging the gap between policy and practice in scientific development for African women. Her vision aligns with the mission of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), and she is committed to strengthening regional chapters and advocating for increased access to research infrastructure, funding, and leadership opportunities for women scientists across the continent.
2. Terkumbur, E. Gber, Onyinye, J.Ikenyirimba, Benjamin E. Etinwa, Immaculata J. Ikot, Imabasi T.Ita, Chioma M. Chima, Ismail O. Amodu, Bartholomew B. Isang, Innocent, Benjamin & Grace Iniama (2022). Experimental, DFT studies and in silico molecular docking investigations of (Z)-2-amino-4-(methylthio)-N-phenyl butane hydrazonic acid and its Fe(II) and Mn(II) metal complexes as a potential antibacterial agent. Mediterranean Journal of Chemistry 12(1), 83-99.
3. Enya, O., Heaney, N., Iniama, G. & Lin, C. (2020). Effects of heavy metals on organic matter decomposition in inundated soils microcosm experiment and field examination. Science of Total Environment. 724 p.138223
4. Iniama, G. E. & Eno, E. A. (2018). Pt(II) And Ru(III) Complexes of 5-Substituted-4-Amino-3-Mercapto-1, 2, 4-Triazole Schiff Base: Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Antimicrobial Studies. International Journal of Engineering, Science and Mathematics. (7) (9); 21-27.
5. Iniama, G.E., Eno, E. A. & Iorkpiligh, I. T. (2018). Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Synthesized Mn(II) and Fe(III) Mixed Ligand Complexes of Isatin-Isonicotinylhydrazone with Aniline. World Wide Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development. 4(8); 75-79
6. Iniama, G. & Iorkpiligh, I. (2018). Spectral Characterization and Antimicrobial Studies of Synthesized Fe (III) and Mn (II) Mixed Ligand Complexes of Methionine-Phenylhydrazone with Thiophene. World Wide Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development 4(9); 1-5
7. Iniama, G.E., Essien, B.P. & Iorkpiligh, I (2018). Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Antimicrobial Activities of Fe(II), Co(II) and Ni(II)Schiff Base Complexes Derived from L-Arginine and Benzaldehyde. International journal of advanced scientific research and engineering trends.3(7), 18-27
8. Iniama, G. E., Iorkpiligh, I. T. & Alfred, A. I. (2018). Stereochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activities of Synthesized Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) Schiff base complexes derived from p-nitroaniline and salicylaldehyde. International Journal of Science & Technology, 6(5), 52-56.
9. Grace Iniama & Tomsmith Unimke (2018). Spectral characterization and antimicrobial activity of synthesized Mn(III), Co(II) and Ni(II) mixed ligand complexes of isatinphenylhydrazone and monodentate thiophene ligand. International Journal of Research in Medical and Basic Sciences, 4(6), 27-34.
10. Grace E. Iniama, Isaac T. Iorkpiligh & Bernard P. Essien (2018). Synthesis,
characterization, antibacterial and antifungal activities of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) Schiff base complexes derived from methionine and salicylaldehyde. Chemistry Research Journal, 3 (3), 34-39.
11. Emmanuel E. Duke Okon, V. N. Osabor & G. E. Iniama (2016). Synthesis, Spectroscopic studies and coordination mode of three Schiff bases; N-benzylidene- (o-, m- and p-) nitroimine complexes of Zn(II). International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 7(5), 879-884.
12. Anyama, Chinyere A., Iniama, Grace E., Ogar, Joseph O. & Ayi, Ayi A. (2015). Hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of organically-templated open-framework trimolybdates. International Journal of Physical Sciences (Academic journals), 10(6).
13. Iniama, G. E., Olanrele, O. S. & Iorkpiligh, I. T. (2015). Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial studies of Mn(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) mixed ligand complexes isatinphenylhydazone and nitrogen/sulphur monodentate ligands. International Journal of Science and Research, 4 (9), 2084-2088. Riphouse/India. Index Copernicus
14. Iniama, G. E., Iorkpiligh, I. T., Olanrele, O. S., Shiriki, D. & Kondom, M. I. (2015).
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Studies of Mn(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) Schiff base complexes derived from glycine and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde. International Journal of Innovation and Scientific Research. 18 (1),117-121. (Morocco)
15. Iniama, G. E., Olanrele, O. S. & Johnson, A. (2015). Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Manganese(II) and Copper (II) complexes of Salicylaldehydephenylhydrazone. International Journal of Chemistry and Application, 7(1), 15-23. (India).
16. Iniama, G. E. & Iorkpiligh, I. T. (2015). Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Studies of Mn(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) Schiff base complexes derived from L-arginine-2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehye. International Journal of Science and Research, 4(8), 979-982.(India)
17. Iniama, G. E., Olanrele, O. S. & Iorkpiligh, I. T. (2015). Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial studies of manganese(II) and copper(II) complexes of ~ isatinphenylhydazone. International Journal of Science and Technology, 3(8), 229-233.
18. Iniama, G. E., Iorkpiligh, I. T. & Olanrele, O. S. (2015). Antimicrobial Studies of Synthesized Zinc (II) Schiff base complexes of L-arginine-2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde and glycine-2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 4(8), 24-27. (India)
19.Iniama, G. E., Nfor, E. N., Okon, E. D. & Iorkpiligh, I. T. (2014). Antimicrobial Activities of Synthesized Zinc(II) Mixed ligand Complexes Derived from 2-acetyipyridine-4-phenylsemicarbazone and Nitrogen-Sulphur monodentate ligands. International Journal of Sc.& Tech. Research, 3(11), 73-77.
20. Iniama, G., P. de la Presa, J. M. Alonso, M. Multigner, B. I. Ita, R. Cortes-Gil, M. L. RuizGonzalez, A. Hernando, & J. M. Gonzalez-Calbet (2014). Unexpected Ferromagnetic Ordering Enhancement with Crystallite Size Growth Observed in La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 Nanoparticles. Journal of Applied Physics (AIP)(DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4895707). 116 (11), 1-17.
21. Grace E. Iniama , Ayi , Ayi ., Peter C. Okafor, Chris A. Edem & Emmanuel O. Duke (2014). Copper (II) mixed-ligand complexes of 2-acetylpyridine-N (4)-substituted thiosemicarbazones and nitrogen-sulphur monodentate ligands: Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity. International Journal of Applied Chemistry (IJAC), 10 (1), 67-76.
22. Nfor, E. N., Eno, E. A., Foba-Tendo, J. N., Iniama, G. E., Duke, E. O. & Offiong, O. E.(2012). Copper(II)malonate coordination frameworks with amino-1,2,3-triazole: Crystal structures and magnetic properties of [Cu2(mal)2(datz)2(H2O)].5H2O and
Cu2(mal)2atz)2(H2O)].3H2O. Journal of Structural Chemistry, 53(6), 1118-1124.
23. Eno, E. A., Ayimele, G. A., Wang, Zhao-Xi, Chongwain, P. T., Iniama G. E., Offiong, O. E. & Nfor, E. N. (2011). Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties [Cu (mal)(abpt)(H2O)] 3/2H2O and Cu2 (sq)? (abpt)2].2H2O. (mal =malonate, sq=squarate, abpt=4-amino-3,5-di-2pyridyl-4H-1,2,4 triazole). Bull. Chem. Soc Ethiop. 25(1), 001-008.
24. Nfor, E. N., Esemu, S. N., Ayimele, G. A., Eno, E. A., Iniama, G. E. & Offiong, O. E. (2011). Synthesis, Stereochemistry and Antimicrobial Activity of Copper(II) and Nickel (II) Complexes of 4-phenylsemicarbazones. Bull.Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 25(3), 001-010.
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25.Edem, C. A., Osabor, V., Iniama, G, E., Etiuma, R. & Eke, J. N (2009). Distribution of heavy metals in bones, gills, livers and muscles of Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia) obtained from Henshaw Town Beach Market in Calabar-Nigeria. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 8 (8), 1209-1211.
26. Edem, C. A., Iniama, G. E., Osabor V., Etiuma, R. & Ochelebe, M. (2009). A Comparative evaluation of heavy metal in commercial wheat flours sold in Calabar – Nigeria. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 8 (5), 585-587
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27.Ayi, A. A., Uwah, I. E. and Iniama, G. E. (2007). Investigations of triethylene tetraammonium selenite monohydrate: n[NH3(CH2)2NH2(CH2)2NH2(CH2)2NH3]0.5[SeO4].H2O, a possible intermediate in the synthesis of open-framework metal selenate. Ultra Science, 19 (3), 473-482.
28. Nfor, E.N., You, X., Weii, I. & Iniama, G. (2006). (Aceto-ko ) (2-acetylpyridine 4-methylthiosemicarbazonato-k3 N, N,S) copper(II) monohydrate. Acta Crystallographica, E. 62, M 379-381
Local Journals
29. Johnson, A., Iniama, G., Salman, Q., Zahid, H., Sammer, Y., Wan-Sin, I. & Hoong- Kun, F. (2016) Synthesis structure determination and biological activity of bis-(3,5- diamino-1,2,4-triazolium-bis(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate)-zincate (II)tetrahydrate[C2H6N3)2Zn(DIPIC)22-].4H2O. World Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 8(2), 178-187.(Nigeria)
30. Iniama, Grace E., Iorkpiligh, Terungwa Isaac, Olanrele, Olajire Samson & Shiriki, Dooshima (2014). Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial studies of Mn(II) Co(II) and Zn(II) Schiff base complexes derived from amino acid and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde. Proceedings of 37th Annual International Conference of Chemical Society of Nigeria, 12-11
31. Iniama, G. E., Offiong, E. O. and Ayi, A. A. (2009). Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of copper(II) and zinc(II) mixed ligand complexes of 2- acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazones with nitrogen-sulphur monodentate ligands. International Journal of Chemistry, 1(1), 41-46.
32. Okafor, P. C., Oguzie, E. E., Iniama, G. E., Ikpi, M. E. & Ekpe, U. J. (2008). Corrosion inhibition properties of thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives in concentrated acid environment. Global J. of Pure and Applied Sciences,(Calabar), 14(1), 89 – 95.
33. Iniama, G. E., Offiong, Nfor, E. N. & Ayi, A. A, (2008). Mixed-ligand complexes of nickel(II) with 2-acetylpyridine Thiosemicarbarzone and some N/S Monodentate ligands : Synthesis, structural characterization and antimicrobial activity. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences.(Calabar) 14 (4), 411-415.
34. Ayi, A. A, Offiong, E. O., Umet, E. E. & Iniama, G. E. (2005). Hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of dimethylamine-templated alumina-phosphate. Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria, 36(1), 36-39.
35. Aniekan E. Owen, Emmah I. Ime, Elizabeth N. Mbum, Henry O. Edet, Innocent Benjamin, Grace Iniama, Uwem O Edet, Amanda-Lee Manicum and Hitler Louis.(2023)
Exploring the anticancer potential oof sulfate-hydroxy-butanone derivatives: insights from experiment and quantum chemical investigations.
https://doi.org /10..1515/zpcl-2023—0307
36. Hiter Louis, Mary Patrick, Ismail O. Amodu, Innocent Benjamin, Immaculata Ikot, Grace E. Iniama Adedapo S. Adeyinka: (2023): Sensor behaviour of transition metals ( X—Ag, Au, Pd and Pt) doped Zn11---X—O12 nanostructural materials for the detecton of serotonin. Materialstoday Communications. Vol.34, 105048. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2022-105048
Kigali, Rwanda