AE-FUNAI RESEARCHERS, INNOVATORS SHOWCASE WORKS AT 2022 TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION EXPO
A team of researchers and innovators from Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State,is among the various inventors from different parts of the country that are showcasing their intellectual works and inventions at the 2022 Technology and Innovation Expo holding at the Eagles Square, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, from 14th to 18th March, 2022.

Themed “Sustaining National Economic Growth through Science, Technology and Innovation”, the Expo was declared open yesterday by President Muhammadu Buhari, who noted that it was a platform for bringing Nigerian researchers, innovators and scholars together for the purpose of sharing the results of their ideas and innovations.


VC, represented by DVC, Administration, Prof. Abel Ezeoha (5th R) and Director, Research and Development, Prof. Onuegbu O. Ugwu (5th L) in a group photograph with the University research team at the 2022 Technology and Innovation Expo holding at the Eagles Square Abuja
He explained that this year’s Expo is remarkable because of three reasons. Firstly, the Federal Government awarded scholarships to three young Nigerian scientists and innovators to study in any university within the country up to the doctoral degree level. Secondly is the launching of the 2022 revised National Science and Technology Policy, and thirdly is the commissioning of Nigerian Science and Technology Television to promote knowledge economy through extensive advocacy of technological and innovative ideas among Nigerians in their everyday lives.


Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, delivering the President’s speech at the opening ceremony of the Expo


The President further noted that no country has ever become great without science, technology and innovation, adding that his administration will continue to support the annual technology and innovations expo in order to promote research and innovations and global competitiveness among Nigerian scientists and innovators.



The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunday Elom while speaking on the sideline of the Expo noted that the University is interested in researches that have impact on the society, adding that the five inventions and innovations the University is presenting at the event were all tailored towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


Rep. of VC, Prof. Abel Ezeoha (1st:2nd line) at the opening ceremony of the event


The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Abel Ezeoha, further noted that he was confident the University research team will perform creditably well at the Expo because their works have been earlier subjected to peer review mechanism in the University and were found to be viable.



Also speaking at the University’s stand at the Expo, the Director, Research and Development, Prof. Onuegbu O. Ugwu, called for collaborations between universities and industries in order to translate research ideas and findings into tangible and marketable products.


Director, Research and Development, Engr. Prof. Onuegbu O, Ugwu speaking at the University’s stand during the event


He further called on governments at all levels to support science, technology and innovation through financial and other investments, noting that a lot of innovative ideas are lying fallow in universities because of lack of government and industrial support.



The University is presenting five research works for assessment at the Expo. They include: Design and Construction of an Automated 500w Solar Photovoltaic Energy Generator for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Rural Communities by Engr. Dr. Uche P. Onochie, Okafor Amos Chukwudi and Ekpe Francis Ayuk; Design and Construction of a 3D Mobile Solar-rechargeable Refrigerator for the Conveyance of COVID-19 Vaccines to Rural Areas in Nigeria by Engr. Dr. Daniel Nmadu and Engr. Uchenna Nwokenkwo; Development of Novel Strategy to Tackle Multidrug Resistance Pathogens such as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa by Azorella by Dr. Onyedikachi Azuama; Fate of Engineered Metal Oxides Nanofluid Applied for Enhanced Oil Recovery on the Tropical Soils of Niger Delta – Nanosafety Approach to Environmental Nanomaterials by Dr. Peter Chukwunonso Okoli, and Production of Smokeless Briquettes using Municipal Wastes by Dr. Frank Ikenna Nwabue.


Director, Research and Development, Prof. Onuegbu O. Ugwu (3rd L) in a group photograph with the University research team and their inventions at the 2022 Technology and Innovation Expo holding at the Eagles Square Abuja