The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr.Chioma Irene Awuzie on Thursday, 26th March 2026 delivered a profound and thought provoking lecture at the 16th ANACHEM conference organized by the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter. The conference which was held at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Uli campus has the theme “Sustainable Chemistry for National Development : Local Solutions to Global Challenges”
Speaking on the theme, Rector, Dr. Chloma Awuzie asserted that complex challenges confronting the world like climate change, environmental degradation, energy insecurity, food shortages and public health concerns, although are issues global in nature, however, their impacts are deeply felt at the local level. Their solutions must therefore be locally driven, scientifically grounded and sustainably implemented. The solutions to these challenges are however rooted in chemistry, she opined.
According to her ” chemistry is fundamentally the science of transformation. It enables the conversion of raw materials into essential products – medicines, food, infrastructure, and energy. In essence, chemistry serves as a catalyst for societal progress and national development. For Nigeria, sustainable development is closely tied to how effectively we harness chemical innovation across key sectors of the economy”
Dr. Awuzie therefore called for the collaboration of the academia, Industry and government to drive national development through sustainable chemical innovations.
She highlighted some of the key solutions to national and global challenges to include, harnessing local resources for industrial growth; energy transition and sustainable technologies; chemical in healthcare and pharmaceutical development; waste to waste and circular economy; digital innovation in chemistry; policy, regulation and ethical responsibility; capacity building and youth development; collaboration as a catalyst for progress.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Prof. Kate Omenugha, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), Prof Sylvia Okonkwo welcomed the keynote speaker, paper presenters, dignitaries, members of the chemical Society of Nigeria and participants. She congratulated the Chemistry Society of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter for organizing the conference expressing hope that ideals generated at the conference will impact national development
In her welcome address, the Sate Chairman of Chemical Society of Nigeria Anambra State, Dr Augustina Ugonwa Okeke described the conference as the most crucial assembly for all chemists, industrialists, and allied chemical practitioners in the state. She described the theme of the conference as timely and apt,stating that the scholarly research, insights and collaboration that will emerge from the conference will go a long way in addressing global challenges being experienced today.
Highpoint of the conference included presentation of merit award of excellence to the Rector, Dr.Chioma Irene Awuzie by the immediate past National President, Chemical Society of Nigeria , Prof. Moses Nkemchendo.
