LAUTECH Demands Centre Of Excellence In Nanotechnology

  • 04:35PM
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LAUTECH Demands Centre Of Excellence In Nanotechnology

BASED on its leading role in popularizing nanotechnology in Nigeria, the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, has canvassed for its recognition as the Centre of Excellence in Nanotechnology in Nigeria. The vice-chancellor of the institution, Professor Michael Olufisayo Ologunde, who received in his office the representative of the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Kelechi Ebiseke, ahead of the eighth LAUTECH Nano Conference, said LAUTECH had consistently proved to be a leader in the field and possesses the capacity to deliver genuine results in the areas of knowledge generation, manpower training and product development. He also appealed to the Federal Government to encourage Nigerian scientists to utilise nanotechnology for the development and advancement of the nation, as part of a continued effort to advance the course of science and technology. While commending government for putting in place a national steering committee to engender a national policy, Professor Ologunde noted that nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field in which material scientists, physical scientists, agriculturists, engineers, life scientists and medical personnel find common interest. Earlier in his welcome address, head, Nanotechnology Research Group, LAUTECH, Professor Agbaje Lateef, had spoken about a publication on green nanotechnology research in Nigeria where adequate funding, provision of functional facilities, curriculum development and re-engineering, development of national policy on nanotechnology and manpower development as critical inputs needed to position Nigeria as a player in nanotechnology research and development in Africa were highlighted. “In this connection, LAUTECH is ripe enough to host a national centre of excellence in nanoscience and nanotechnology. We have the zeal; we have the expertise, and we have demonstrated the will and capacity to lead,” he said. Responding on behalf of the minister, Dr Ebisike acknowledged LAUTECH’s leading role in ensuring that Nigeria is not left out of the technology that is gaining momentum in various sectors such as medicine, energy, agriculture, environment, among others. He appealed to organisers of the conference to continue in the pursuit of the best for the country, and urged LAUTECH nanotechnology research group to focus on building necessary skills among the up-and-coming and early-career researchers, so that the country can have nanotechnology-skilled manpower base for scientific and technological advancement.
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