By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
A university Don, Prof.Tajudeen Oladele Ahmed on Wednesday in Lokoja challenged Federal University Lokoja, (FUL) to embrace materials development and sustainable energy technologies for inclusive economic development of the nation.
Prof. Ahmed gave the charge in a lecture on Solid State Physics: Materials Development for Sustainable Energy Technologies at the 16th inaugural lectures of the Federal University Lokoja.
He pointed out that the University can achieve this by establishing and funding Solid State Physics Research Projects where in the long run new high-tech enterprises would emanate from the research outputs.
“This is indeed a paradigm shift the University has to contend with not only for the purposes of sustainable and inclusive national economic development but for her own survival too, hence this innovation and entrepreneurial-driven thrust must be embarked upon as soon as possible.”
The Professor of Solid -State Physics enjoined Nigeria as a nation not to abandon this frontier of STI for advanced nations but should invest in it as this would in the long run put the country in the fore front or as a contender for green technology in the new era of low-carbon economy.
Prof. Ahmed stressed the need to enhance capacity in FUL as a new university in Nigeria to adequately perform and contribute to STI development needs to be provided by the government and other agencies.
He said With these efforts, the location advantage of the university and the enabling environment, the establishment of a sustainable research centre for clean energy and storage and water technologies would be successful.
“With the existence of such standard laboratories in place, Grants provider will be comfortable to finance researches directed toward Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Furthermore, this would encourage research collaborations within and outside the country which would ultimately lead to Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and new jobs can be created for teeming youths as evidence of university impact and role in modern technology for sustainable and inclusive national growth.
If this process of change is sustained, it would create additional new demands on high-level technological skills and technological developments as well as on high-quality manpower that is capable and alert in adjusting to the changing industrial environment.
Such developments would put FUL as a forerunner and an institution with technological capability and expertise, to play a major role in promoting and developing technology in order to achieve the national objective of becoming a developed country in the near future.
Earlier in his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University (FUL) Prof. Olayemi Akunwumi said “the Inaugural Lecture Series is a cherished tradition in our academic calendar, symbolizing the intellectual vibrancy and scholarly prowess that defines our institution.”
He described Professor Tajudeen Oladele Ahmed as a beacon in the field of Solid State Physics. “His dedication to unraveling the complexities of materials and their role in shaping sustainable energy technologies has not only garnered respect within our academic community but has also positioned him as a trailblazer in the global scientific arena.”
“As we stand at the intersection of scientific innovation and environmental responsibility, Professor Ahmed’s insights into materials development for sustainable energy technologies could not be more timely and pertinent.”
“The potential impact of his research extends far beyond the walls of our university, influencing the trajectory of technological advancements and contributing to the global dialogue on sustainability.”
He encouraged staff and students to embrace this opportunity for intellectual enrichment as the journey through Solid State Physics and sustainable energy technologies, as guided by Professor Ahmed, promises to be both enlightening and inspiring.
