Assessors at the ongoing 3rd National Science, Technology and Innovation Expo, 2019 taking place at Okpara Square, Enugu, have commended the research team of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, for their inventions and innovative products, which they showcased at the national exhibition.
At the event which started on Monday, 12th January, 2019, the University presented five research works of its scholars for assessment. While assessing the inventions and products, the team of assessors also commended the institution for its strong research culture and innovation, which they noted has placed it in high pedestals among Nigerian higher institutions.
The works which were showcased at the event include: “VOG Tea: A Blood Glucose Modulatory Tea” produced from three culinary herbs, vernonia amygdalina, Occimum gratissimum and Gongronena latitolium by Prof. Chukwunonso C.C Ejike. The tea is useful in reducing the risk of developing pre-diabetes or progressing from the pre-diabetic state to the diabetic state. Consequently, the expectation is that those who drink the tea regularly, especially if they have a high DM risk score, may be able to hold the disease at bay, thereby avoiding the morbidity and mortality that comes from it. Also, Dr. Emmanuel Nwaeze’s work “A control strategy for minimizing carbon dioxide emission: A study of power generators in Nigeria”, is designed to minimize the emission of industrial CO2 into the atmosphere, and thereby reducing green-house effects and climate change side-effects.

Similarly, a work by Dr. Ihuoma Anyanwu on “Bio-manufacturing: Production of Biofuel and Novel Fertilizers from Organic Wastes”, is meant to provide alternative energy sources and also to produce organic fertilizers for soil amendment and plant growth through waste conversion. More so, Mr. Thomas Ojonugwa Daniel’s research on “Electric double layer field effect transistor using thin film semiconductor channel layer and honey gate dielectric” is an innovative means of providing a societal need for an alternative semiconductor channel layer material and gate dielectric for use in an electric double layer field effect transistor alongside the use of honey. The work addresses the problem of the need for an alternative transistor semiconductor device and the problem of scaling down the circuit size. In addition, the research on “Developing a natural oil supplement from coconut meat to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure cholesterol and organ damage in cancer patients”, by Dr. Ademola Famurewa, is targeted at preventing the health challenge of debilitation side effects of anticancer drugs currently being experienced by cancer patients in hospitals. It is also being evaluated for the prevention of high blood pressure cholesterol that leads to heart diseases.

While extolling the potential societal high-impact value of the works, the assessors, also advised the University researchers to ensure their inventions were immediately patented to make it really their own.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 5 days event, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, noted that Science, Technology and Innovation were needed to eradicate malaria, sickle cell, malnutrition and other kinds of challenges confronting the nation. He also used the opportunity to call on investors to partner with inventors and researchers to translate their works into tangible products and services.

He further stressed that the nation was moving from oil dependency to knowledge-based economy through the help science, technology and innovation.
“We are moving our dear nation in a new direction different from the old ways of doing things. We are moving in a new direction that is based on knowledge that is driven with innovation”, he stated.
Declaring the exhibition open, President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Secretary of Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, explained that the Expo offers new opportunities to government to break new grounds, while adding that inventors and researchers are opportune to showcase their products and inventions in the event.

He assured that government would not relate in equipping Nigeria with appropriate technologies to drive its development and attain a prosperous and stable future, noting that the application of science provides practical solutions to problems facing humanity.
Dignitaries from all works of life that included the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and Prof. Philip Omoke graced the occasion.

The Vice-Chancellor also took time to visit the pavilion of the University where its works were displayed for assessment and review by the public, which boosted the confidence and morale of the institution’s research team led by the Director of Research and Development, Prof. Dennis Akoh.

Recall that at the 2nd edition of the Expo held at Abuja in 2018, the University came 3rd in the category of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.