Invest in tech, innovation for devt, Abdul Rahman, others urge authorities
Invest in tech, innovation for devt, Abdul Rahman, others urge authorities
|By Amina Suleiman
Experts and participants at the maiden international conference and exhibition of the Faculty of Science at the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) have urged authorities to prioritise investments in science, technology and innovation to drive national development.
The theme of the conference was “Science for Sustainable Development: Bridging Gaps and Driving Innovation.”
The event was held at the MIS Multi-purpose Hall, Permanent Site Campus of FULafia.
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Lafia, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, declared the conference open and highlighted the importance of innovation in sectors such as agriculture, clean energy and healthcare to create employment opportunities, enhance livelihoods and uplift millions out of poverty globally.
Abdul Rahman emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among scientists to address pressing issues like climate change, poverty, inequality and environmental degradation.
He stressed the significance of improving the agricultural sector, ensuring food security and conducting research on climate change mitigation, sustainable energy and creating tools and technologies to support sustainable development.
The guest speakers at the conference, Prof. Saratu Mamman from the University of Abuja and Prof. Hyacinth Oluma from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, underscored the importance of fostering innovation and harnessing emerging technologies to address global challenges.
They emphasised the role of science in transforming societies for the better, calling for enhanced collaboration, investment in education and training and equitable distribution of benefits of scientific advancements.
The Dean of the Faculty of Science of FULafia, Prof. Matthew Olaleke Aremu, in his opening address, highlighted the importance of sustainable development in meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs.
He emphasised the balance needed between the economy, environment and society to achieve sustainable growth and human development.
Aremu said that the conference provided a platform for experts to discuss the pivotal role of science, technology and innovation in driving sustainable development and addressing societal challenges.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the conference, Prof. Ibrahim Khalil Adam, thanked the vice-chancellor for his support in ensuring the success of the conference.
He saluted the speakers for agreeing to share their valuable knowledge with the participants.
