From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Stakeholders in Engineering have been admonished to raise the standard of the sector by introducing technological advancement that will enhance positive productivity and sustain economic and social development of the country.
These were parts of recommendations made at the Opening ceremony of the Three-Day maiden International Conference organized by the Kogi State Polytechnic School of Engineering with the theme “Role of science and Engineering Technology in unlocking Resources for Economic Recovery Post Covid’19” held at the Itakpe Campus of the Polytechnic at the weekend.
The Lead paper presenter, Engr. Prof. Malik Abdulwahab, Keynote Speakers, Engr. Dr. S.O.Olusunle, Chief Dr. J. O. Omuya and Engr. Dr. G. E. Okpanachi, who spoke in turns highlighted innovations, inventions and Technological developments occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Conference which was attended by researchers and innovators provided a platform to share vision, knowledge and experience and proffer solution to unlock resources for Economic recovery occasioned by Covid 19 and adverse economic threat it poses on the world at large.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Honourable Wemi Jones stressed that the effect of Covid 19 pandemic across the globe has no doubt affected the local economy immensely leading to collapse of businesses and stunt economic survival.
The Commissioner noted that there was need for diversification and introduction of new strategies to stimulate growth and development for economic sustainability.
He commended the effort of the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for his immense role in restructuring Science and Technological Education in the State as well as increasing the annual budget presentation of allocation for education from 20% to 30%.
Hon. Wemi Jones said the focus of the New Direction Government was to thrive in educatioin, and to position the State by taking advantage of the new world order for Science and Technology and to shift Kogi State to Mineral deposit exploitation to be adequately positioned to work at professional level.
He announced that Governor Yahaya Bello has approved the establishment of modern Science Secondary Schools with construction of new structures at Adankolo in Lokoja LGA, Ajilolo in Delina LGA, Ogboroke in Okehi and in Okene LGA.
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman in his address, commended the Dean, School of Engineering, Dr. Stephen Akande for the courage to host the maiden Edition of the Conference.
He charged the Academia in Engineering to focus on new technological innovations as latest inventions in Engineering are conveniently in use thereby providing insight into powerful tools to contribute not only to the well-being of the people but also to economic and social development.
Dr. Usman said there is the need for researchers and experts in engineering to be a solution provider as he stressed that innovation remained pivotal of all creation and wealth with its capacity to improve lives and livelihood and expansion in agriculture and other economic source that require technological advancement in Post Civid’19 Era.
The Dean, School of Engineering, Dr. Akande Stephen said the conference christened “Itapke 2021” is a platform to gather and disseminate the latest knowledge in Science and Engineering.
Academics, scientists, Researchers and practitioners of Engineering and allied disciplines will use the Conference to share ideas and discuss new findings for applications in Science and Engineering.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of Certificate to the dignitaries, donation of books to the School of Engineering by the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulrahman Ado Ibrahim and the exhibition of various equipment fabricated by the students of the School of Engineering.
Other guests in attendance
were Permanent Secretary, Minstry of Education Science and Technology, Pastor Emmanuel Idenyi, Representative of the Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Emmanuel O.Audu, the Polytechnic Librarian,Mrs. Ozohu O. M Audu, Dean, School of Arts, Design and Printing, Mr. Pedro Peter Akande, amongst others.