The Rector Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr.Chioma Irene Awuzie has described innovation and adaption to emerging global realities as sine qua non for the survival of any nation, calling on Nigeria to key in and lead the train. She also assured that Federal Polytechnic OKo must be in the lead. The Rector made this known at the 2nd International Multidisciplinary Conference of the School of Engineering Technology Federal Polytechnic Oko. The Rector who was represented by the Deputy Rector Administration Dr.Kenneth Ezekwe described the conference as a forum for shaping the technological and economic future of our nation through ideas, innovation and collaboration.
She highlighted that polytechnics are adapted for technological innovations ‘’polytechnics are not simply places of instruction, they are engines of instruction, they are engines of applied knowledge. They are classrooms and centres where theories become practice, where skills are sharpened and where innovation is tested in the crucible of real-world problems’’. She challenged lecturers to buckle up, avoid indecent practices that drag the profession to the mud and become more professional in order to produce graduates who can do as well as they can know; engineers and technologists who are creators, problem solvers and innovators. Dr. Awuzie also charged students to engage their minds and hands and become creative to spend more time in the laboratories, workshops and project rooms than on social media.
She reiterated ‘’As management, we are committed to building a polytechnic of the moment, an institution where staff and students welfare are top priorities’’ She revealed that her administration has reopened the institution based research and fabrication grant processes after years of delay, stating that proposals are now with TETFund awaiting approval. The Rector also confirmed that soon new state of the art equipment will be procured and installed in many departments including Electrical/Electronics Engineering to ensure our students receive genuine hands -on training that matches global standards. She stated our ‘’mission is aligned with the UN sustainable development goals; from quality education and industry, innovation and infrastructure, to decent work, economic growth and climate action.’’
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean, School of Engineering Technology Engr.Dr.Anthony Umeozokwere welcomed everyone to the conference. He introduced the theme of the conference ‘’Technological Innovations, Imperatives for Driving Investment and Sustainable Development’’ describing it as apt especially considering the present state of the Nigerian economy. The Dean stated that amidst the threatening global economic meltdown which our nation Nigerian is witnessing at an alarming rate, it is imperative to engage the ingenuity of technological innovations and evolve new ways for global partnerships that can drive investment capable of reducing poverty and unemployment.
He thanked the Rector for her assistance and support to the school of Engineering and charged the participants to brainstorm on ways and measures that can guarantee a more robust engagement of technological innovation in tackling the economic challenges facing Nigeria and the world at large.
The keynote speaker, Dr.Cosmas Maduka who is the President/CEO of Coscharis Group while making his presentation emphasized on the need to practicalize knowledge to make it relevant to human existence. He described innovation as an important element that can guarantee success in anything one does. He stated that in overcoming the multifaceted challenges man is faced with, it is imperative to constantly seek for new ways in solving old problems and evolve new ways to solve new problems.
He reasoned that innovation, vision and value drive resources stating that ability to think outside the box is a mark of innovation and an essential quality that business leaders must possess in order to be highly distinguished and successful.
The lead paper presenter, Engr.Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Onyenanu a lecturer at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and the Director of Nutabolts Technologies ltd Enugu charged the government to create an enabling environment that can encourage and sustain technological development. He decried the unfriendly and harsh environment in the nation and called for a change.
Highlight of the conference include award presentation to the Rector, the paper presenters and others.
