FEDPOFFA ASUP Holds 4th National Conference

...hammers on digitalization for sustainable economic development



The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) the Federal Polytechnic Offa Chapter has opened the floor for her 4th National Conference on Digitalization for Sustainable Economic Development.

The conference opening held on Tuesday 22nd of August 2023 at the Polytechnic Mini Campus featured the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin, Engr. Dr. Jimoh Abdul Muhammad as keynote speaker, Dr. Ibrahim A.A. from University of Abuja as 1st Lead Paper Presenter, and the immediate past Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Dr. D.H Oladebeye as 2nd Lead Paper presenter respectively.

Speaking on the theme, Engr. Dr. Abdul explained digitalization as the conversion of data from analog to digital or binary in order to increase efficiency, reduce waste and enhance productivity.

He commended the Academic Staff Union of the Polytechnics, the Federal Polytechnic Offa chapter for providing a unique platform that will enable academicians to discuss the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation and share the best practices, contemplate on the most suitable policy approach for people to benefit from the digital revolution.

Dr. Abdul noted that successful digital transformation is happiness and satisfaction for the entire humanity built on respecting common values.

According to him, "Achieving digital transformation will be hard without joint action and intensive cooperation between the government and the governed. The ultimate goal of successful digital transformation is happiness and satisfaction for entire humanity built on our common values. It is upon the political leaders to enable the right conditions to achieve it."

Also speaking, the immediate past Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Oladebeye asserted that the adoption of digital technology will boost the competitiveness of various global economic growth and development.

Demystifying the theme, he noted that digitization has helped to reduce unemployment by improving quality of life and general well-being through job creation, adding that digital technology has had a profound effect on Nigeria's educational system.

Dr. Oladebeye charged the government officials to leverage the gains of the digital economy to make tremendous improvements and fast-track implementation of the national digital economy strategy.

Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin FNSE in his speech acknowledged the ASUP chairman, the Federal Polytechnic Offa chapter, and other executives for organizing the conference aimed at addressing Nigeria's economic crisis through digitalization.

Dr. Kadiri equally commended the organizing committee of the conference for the careful selection of the conference theme.

While speaking on the theme, the Rector enunciated that creating digital markets and boosting digitalization will yield significant economic benefits and lead to substantial social benefits to societies and communities.

According to him, "Digitalization has the potential to boost productivity, create new jobs, and enhance the quality of life for society at large. "

Speaking further, Dr. Kadiri noted that the strength of countries with robust economy is in the confine of proper digital utilization and maximization for economic growth and development. He, therefore, charged the stakeholders in academia to take it as a responsibility to draw a road map and template for the policymakers on the path to thread for a sustainable and robust economy through digitalization.

The ASUP National President, Comrade Anderson Ezeibe represented by Zonal Coordinator, Engr. Yekini Nureni Ashafe lauded the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the Federal Polytechnic Offa chapter for organizing the intriguing conference. He charged the academic staff of the polytechnic not to relent in their efforts in doing research for economic growth and career advancement.

While the ASUP Chairman of the Federal Polytechnic Offa chapter, Dr. Idowu Moses Atilola appreciated the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kadiri and his management team for their support, he applauded the Rector for displaying leadership by example by arriving at the venue before the time.

Dr. Atitola, therefore, thanked ASUP Zonal Coordinator, Engr. Ashasfe for his presence, he equally commended ASUP executives, members, and Local Organising Committee for their dedication and commitment towards achieving a successful conference.

Digitalization plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable economic development. By leveraging technology and data-driven approaches, businesses can optimize processes, reduce waste, and enhance resource allocation. This efficiency leads to lower environmental impact and increased productivity. Moreover, digital tools enable remote work and access to global markets, reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional practices. Ultimately, embracing digitalization offers opportunities for greener growth and more resilient economies, aligning with long-term sustainability goals.