Tech innovation, key accelerator to national development – MOUA VC

The Vice Chancellor of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, has emphasized the critical role played by research, innovation, and technology in the overall development of any nation.

He made this remark during the commissioning ceremony of upgraded equipment for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering laboratories, donated to the university by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Protection.

The Vice-Chancellor commended NOTAP, a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology for donating the laboratory equipment to the institution, which would help to accelerate research and learning in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering where the equipment is domiciled.

Iwe said, “This laboratory equipment will enhance learning amongst students, we as an institution try to embrace every aspect of science and technology; we don’t limit ourselves to just planting and harvesting of crops, roots, and tubers, as a matter of fact, we now produce bread and even biscuit on our own. This is one of our giant strides in innovation and science and will even do more despite the low budget we get from the Federal Government.”

He lamented the challenge of land acquisition faced by the institution, which according to him will soon be addressed by the state governor, Dr Alex Otti.

He enthused, “We’re so appreciative of your kind gesture to this university at this critical time, the entire management of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has done a tremendous job.”

The acting Director General of NOTAP, Dr Mrs Idoreyin I Imoyoho in a remark reiterated that for any nation to move forward in innovation, research must be embraced.

She said, “It is with great pleasure and a profound sense of fulfillment that I stand before you to witness this momentous occasion these laboratories stand as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to advancing scientific research and education in the nation”.

“Education is the cornerstone of progress and science education in particular holds the key to unlocking boundless potential within each and every one of us. With these state-of-the-art laboratories generously donated by NOTAP and PZ CUSSONS, we are not just unveiling a physical space, but we are opening doors to endless possibilities and sparking the flames of curiosity and discovery in the hearts and minds of our students”.

She noted that NOTAP recognizes the critical role that innovation, science, and technology play in driving economic development and societal progress, which motivated them to partner with PZ Cussons to donate the state-of-the-art laboratory to this great institution.

Dr. Idoreyin, therefore, expressed her gratitude to the honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esubana Nko-Asanye, who represented the minister at the event for their unwavering support and generosity to make this dream a reality.

She equally advised the beneficiaries of this kind gesture, the students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, to seize this opportunity and utilize the laboratories to their fullest potential.

She admonished, “Let your curiosity be your compass, and let your passion for science be the fuel that drives you to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.

The supply chain director and representative of the CEO of PZ Cussons Plc, Engr Ifeanyichukwu Abadom, during his presentation, lauded the awesome role played by PZ Cussons Plc in improving the lives of customers, communities, stakeholders, and society in general, the reason for its mantra, “for everyone, for live,  for good.”

He added, “PZ Cussons share a common vision with NOTAP in domesticating technical know-how and providing the necessary infrastructure to embed.”