The Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr.Chioma Irene Awuzie has commended the School of Science and Technology of the polytechnic for organizing their first international hybrid conference with the theme ‘’Laboratory Science, Research and Technology: The basis for Innovation, Sustainability and Economic Development’’. The Rector who was represented at the conference by the Deputy Rector Administration, Dr.Kenneth Ezekwe highlighted the importance of science and technology to humanity in her opening address. ‘’Progress has always been driven by science and sustained by technology. Every major breakthrough that has transformed societies from the discovery of electricity, to the development of vaccines, to the emergence of digital technology began with research, often in modest laboratories, nurtured by curiosity, tested through discipline and refined by perseverance’’
She called for investment by the nation in research, science and technology in order to transform the economy and accelerate development of the country. She pointed out the uniqueness of polytechnics for their adaptation to providing practical solutions and reiterated the need for laboratory research done in polytechnics to bring about innovations that can drive industry, improve agriculture, advance healthcare and foster sustainable development. According to the Rector, ‘’laboratories are the birthplaces of tomorrow. They are silent rooms where ideas that seem impossible are tested into possibility and where the invisible foundations of economic development are laid.’’
In her welcome address, the Dean , School of Science and Technology, Dr.Augustina Ugonwa Genevieve Okeke appreciated everyone who participated in the conference. She also thanked the Rector for her support and assistance to the school with reference to elevation of the school to a full pledged school , initiating solar energy systems for their laboratories and workshops and initiating plans to establish a science and technology complex. She emphasized that ‘’laboratories play vital role in advancing research, supporting healthcare and driving industrial processes. They serve as the bridge between theoretical science and practical application, enabling innovation and hands –on problem-solving across all sectors’’.
She charged scientists, researches and technologists to rise up to meet the demands of this era which she said is marked by Artificial intelligence, green science, renewable energy, biotechnology and increasing reliability on digital processes. Chairman of the occasion Dr. James Obi Okpala in his remarks described the theme of the conference as very apt and relevant to the development of the nation. ‘’The relevance of the theme cuts across all sectors; industries, economy and educational development’’ He opined that research drives innovation leading to economic development, and buttressed that research is the key to scientific and technological development. He called for investment in research in order to build a robust economy.
Prof. Daniel N Obiorah, professor of Geophysics from University of Nigeria Nsukka who is the keynote speaker described laboratory science and technology as the backbone of modern civilisation. According to him, laboratory driven innovations have revolutionized agriculture, healthcare, energy and industry. Research carved in laboratories gave birth to almost all forms of modern technology he said . He went further by stating that laboratories are crucibles where innovations are born, tested and refined into practical solutions that shape economic and human existence.
In his contribution, the first paper presenter Prof.F.B.C Okoye of the department of pharmaceutical and medical chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University who spoke on innovative approach to natural products research charged researchers to start exploring many untapped sources for natural products. He emphasized that innovation in natural products research cuts across agriculture, food, industry and medicine and should be pioneered by professionals rather than quacks who have shown strong presence there.
The second lead paper presenter Dr. Friday C.Okei who is managing director and CEO of Okeson chemical associate ltd Onitsha also made his input to the conference through his paper titled entrepreneurship, panacea to unemployment and sustainable economic development.
