Science research will drive national devt, says MTU

The Mountain Top University, Ogun State, has said scientific and technological research will aid in addressing national challenges.
Speaking at the second Annual International Conference of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, MTU, acting Dean, College Of Basic And Applied Sciences, Dr Andrew Ofudje, said the theme of the conference, ‘Advances in Science and Technology for Sustainable National Development,’ and other topics were carefully selected through critical, thorough engagement to investigate science and technology as instruments of national development.
Ofudge said, “We believe that knowledge through scientific and technological research will be a good way of addressing our national challenges. Therefore, the focal drive of this conference is to exchange ideas, discuss and brainstorm on the place of science and technology in national development and it is hoped that all parties who should benefit from the conference can apply it in diverse ways.”
He added that the conference covered a wide range of topics related to all theoretical and practical aspects, but not limited to Mathematical Sciences, Food Security, Computer and Information System, Environmental Sciences, Physics Sciences and Engineering, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Geology, Mining and Petroleum Engineering, and the Financial sectors.
Guest speaker, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, who spoke on ‘The role of universities in advancing scientific research for national development,’ said challenges facing Scientific Research were multifaceted and required an energetic approach.
Adebowole who was represented by Prof. Mubo Sonibare added that investing in science was not an option but a necessity.
He said, “Research is necessary because it is the core or basis for establishing a university. A university loses the core of existence in the absence of research. The impetus of discussing the significance of universities in advancing scientific research for national development is not only timely but urgent in the light of the current huge fiscal and infrastructural deficits bewildering our nation Nigeria.”
Research Consultant to MTU on SDGs, Prof. Adeniyi Olayanju, said for Nigeria to catch up with scientific advancement in other developed nations, “There should be curriculum update in tertiary institutions, reinforcement of town-gown collaborations, especially with agro-allied establishments. Funding, funding, and more funding younger up-coming researchers should be encouraged.”