Ojukwu University set to industrialize institution, state with science, technology and innovation – The Sun Nigeria

By David Onwuchekwa Nnewi

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in Anambra State has identified science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship as the foundation for all meaningful development in society.

This was the subject of the 4th International Conference and Exhibition organized by the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumwgwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, in association with Anambra State Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

In the 5-day program which included presentations from academics and other off-campus resource persons, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Greg Nwakoby, said the theme of this year’s conference : Advancing Nigerian content development for industrial productivity and sustainable digital economy was appropriate.

Apt in the sense that he believed it corresponded to the desire of the state government to create a technologically advanced and economically viable state.

The VC noted that the vision of the founding fathers of the University was to raise students grounded in science and technology, research and innovations to serve as stepping stones to sustainability and economic empowerment.

The Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Professor Kingsley Nwozor, during his speech at the conference, noted that the event marked FAPSCON 2022 was special as it was the first time the faculty had worked with the new Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Anambra State, described as one of the ministries inherited from the Soludo administration.

“We are also deepening our contacts and networks under the Triple Helix Plus model of connecting universities, government, industry and civil society.

“In all of this, we are accelerating the push for academic industrialization as envisioned by our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Greg Nwakoby. The broad acceptance of the conference across all shades of opinion and social strata is a telling testimony that the FAPSCON message is enjoyable and penetrating,” Professor Nwozor said.

He explained that the theme and activities of this year’s conference and exhibitions were, to a very large extent, the implementation of last year’s conference communiqué.

He said the faculty this time has integrated secondary schools under the banner of the Young Scientists and Future Innovators Program (YSFIP). He told the conference that the idea was to build the scientific confidence of high school students and have them navigate ahead of their peers in the exciting world of innovations.

He noted that the event also exposed the students of the university, including new graduates and young professionals, to living in the digital age through the capacity building workshop on career growth and survival strategies in a digital economy.

“In this context, this year’s conference has been designed to accelerate the pace of our university on the highway of academic industrialization as we activate the Industrial Research and Innovation Endowment Fund (IRIEF). This is a special purpose vehicle to fund and support industry-defined areas of research that aligns with the Nigerian Content Development Program for the development of local technologies and indigenous solutions for industries and businesses,” he noted.

The President, Local Organizing Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Osita Chiaghanam, on their part, said he was enthusiastic about the renewed vigor with which the Faculty has made its international conference an event. annual, describing it as a huge success for the Faculty and the university as a whole.

He noted that the working relationship between the Faculty and the new Anambra State Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources as a parent of the Ministry of Science and Technology is strong and symbolic.

“Oil and gas is undoubtedly a jealous business, but we hope that science, technology and innovation will in the near future be a stand-alone ministry given the great intellectual capacity and digital visions of the governor of the oil and gas. State of Anambra, Professor Soludo.

“As a hub of academic excellence and a network of upcoming industrial opportunities, the general public is invited to take note of the academic and infrastructural development of the Faculty. The Faculty’s six programs are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“The fruits of this clean NUC health check are further manifested in the quality of our graduates, our international engagements, the quality of research outputs, staff ratings, and the student satisfaction experience,” said Professor Chiaghanam.

In his presentation, the State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Mr. Tony Ifeanya, noted that the theme of the conference captured many references that Governor Soludo had made about his vision and goals for the state. of Anambra during his inaugural address.

He encouraged the need for every school child to receive a 21st century education in the digital age.

The commissioner said the Soludo administration was working to transition the state to a non-oil economy framework via the 21st century imperative of “all technology” to improve productivity, economic growth and social progress.

“Science, technology and innovation have been identified by the United States Government Department of State as the dominant forces in modern society and international economic development.

“The department carries out public policy programs that promote the value of science to the general public; implements capacity building programs in emerging markets that train young men and women to become science and technology entrepreneurs; and strengthens innovation ecosystems globally,” said the Commissioner.

Secondary schools inside and outside Anambra State that participated in the conference with their various exhibits were Divine Rays British School, Obosi; Regina Pacis Madel Secondary School, Onitisha and Chosen International School.

Figures from academia, government, business and industry and various vocations graced the conference.