The School of General Studies (SGS), Federal Polytechnic, Oko, yesterday flagged off the opening session of its 7th Multidisciplinary International Conference in grand style, drawing scholars, professionals and students from across Nigeria and beyond.
The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, was ably represented by the Dean, School of Business Studies, Dr. Chioma Eni. In the Rector’s address, she welcomed all participants, especially guests who travelled from far and near, and commended the organizers for the timely theme: “Ethical Standards in a Changing World: Growth and Innovation in Science, Technology, Arts and Humanities.” She noted that in a rapidly changing world, the theme highlights the need to root growth and innovation in sound ethical values for sustainable development in research, governance, business, science, technology, arts and the humanities.
In his keynote address, Prof. M. N. Chendo of the Department of Industrial Chemistry, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, held the audience spellbound as he shared insights from his groundbreaking research in Industrial Chemistry. He drew connections between scientific innovation, industrial application and the ethical obligations of researchers to humanity and the environment, challenging younger scholars to pursue excellence with integrity.
The Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr. Nkiruka Akabuike, speaking as one of the lead paper presenters, underscored the centrality of ethics in both private and public life. She stressed that ethical standards must be upheld “in all that we do and everywhere we find ourselves,” whether in classrooms, laboratories, offices or leadership spaces.
Another lead paper presenter, Dr. Timothy E. Onyejelem of the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, delivered a stimulating paper that further deepened the discourse on the theme, highlighting practical pathways for embedding ethical considerations into teaching, research and policy formulation.
Also taking the floor as a lead presenter was Comrade Chibuzo B. Asomugha, former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP). Drawing from his wealth of experience in unionism and academic leadership, he spoke passionately on the necessity of allowing ethical standards to guide decision-making, conflict resolution and institutional governance within the tertiary education system.
Joining virtually from South Africa, Dr. Lawrence Ugwu of North-West University delivered his lead paper presentation via Zoom. His contribution expanded the conversation to a global perspective, comparing ethical challenges in different educational systems and proposing collaborative approaches toward upholding integrity in research and scholarship.
As part of the highlights of the opening session, awards were presented to a select number of distinguished participants. Among the awardees was the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, whose award was received on her behalf by Dr. Chioma Eni.
Delivering the Rector’s citation, Mr. Celestine Ostende Udoka Oguegbu, Head of the Rector’s Media Team, thrilled participants with a rich blend of Latin quotations and finely crafted prose, further elevating the intellectual ambiance of the event.
In her closing remarks for the opening session, the Ag. Dean, School of General Studies, Dr. Obama C. Onyejegbu, expressed profound appreciation to all participants, especially those who submitted papers for presentation. She prayed for a fruitful and impactful academic engagement throughout the duration of the conference and reaffirmed the commitment of the School of General Studies to sustaining high academic and ethical standards.
The opening session, which set the tone for subsequent technical sessions, attracted a rich mix of visiting scholars, resource persons, management staff, lecturers and students of Federal Polytechnic, Oko. The atmosphere was one of intellectual excitement, collaboration and renewed commitment to ethics-driven innovation.
