AE-FUNAI FACULTY OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES CALLS FOR DIVERSIFICATION OF NIGERIAN ECONOMY THROUGH BIOSCIENCE RESEARCH
Researchers at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State have called for the adoption of Bioscience Research for the diversification and sustainability of the Nigerian economy, noting that economic diversification is the sure-way to go in arresting the array of economic problems facing the country.

The scholars made the submission at the maiden national conference of the Faculty, themed “Bioscience Research: A frontier for Nigerian Economic Diversification and Sustainable Development”, held at the Abubakar Adamu Rasheed Auditorium, which drew a host of researchers and professionals in the field of Bioscience to the University.


Rep. of VC, Professor Abel Ezeoha (5th L), keynote speaker, Professor Augustine Uwakwe (4th R), Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Professor Akanu Ibiam (3rd R) and some other resource persons and presenters at the conference


While declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Sunday Elom, commended the Faculty for taking the bold step towards keeping the University on the pedestal of higher learning, describing the conference as one that would promote the importance of Bioscience in the country.

The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof Abel Ezeoha, noted that the conference was timely because it came at a period the country was in dire need of research findings that could help in solving some of the economic challenges facing it, adding that the mystery of man and its environment could also be unraveled through functional research.

He also commended the Faculty for unveiling its maiden journal, which he equally acknowledged as meeting international journal standard.


VC’s Rep, Prof, Abel Ezeoha declaring the conference open


The keynote speaker and the Vice Chancellor, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Professor Augustine A. Uwakwe, in his lecture on the theme of the conference said Nigeria as a developing country has much to do to meet up with advanced countries, hence the need for the conference.

Describing Bioscience as core of research and innovation in curing diseases, providing safe and ample food and water and developing new sources of fuel; he posited that economic diversification via Bioscience research will help support multiple businesses, create a sustainable cycle of economic activities where businesses continually thrive, opening doors for the provision of goods and services that enhance economic flexibility as well as scientific innovation.


Keynote Speaker and VC, Gregory University, Uturu, Prof. Augustine A. Uwakwe delivering his keynote address at the conference


He therefore urged government at all levels to promote Bioscience research in its jurisdictions, and ensure that people with appropriate knowledge and skills in Pharmaceutical, Medical, Agricultural, Industrial and Scientific aspects of our economy are put at the helm of affairs.

In another vein, Professor Ositadinma C. Ugbogu, a Professor of Micro Biology, Department of Microbiology, Abia State University, Uturu spoke on the topic “Reinvigoration of Bioscience Research in Nigeria for the Enhancement of Food Security and Nutritional Wellbeing”, said food security exist when all people, at all times have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

He further opined that Biosciences integrated with novel engineering and technology solutions will help develop precision agriculture and smart technologies including digital and predictive tools to improve decision making in agriculture.


Prof. Ositadinma C. Ugbogu speaking at the conference


He therefore recommended public investment and new imaginative public-private collaboration to make Bioscience revolution beneficial to developing countries including Nigeria.

Earlier while making his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Akanu Ibiam, thanked resource persons and participants for being part of the conference, noting that their presence records their contribution as being part of the Nigeria’s march for progress.

He further stated that conferences are strategic academic rituals meant for the growth an academic environment, adding that it also gives the opportunity for the development of the educational system, and the communique raised afterwards helps in solving the teeming problems that bedevil the country.


Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences. Prof. Akanu Ibiam delivering his opening remarks at the conference


He therefore thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the level of support he has shown the faculty which has propelled them to work towards achieving the goal of making AE-FUNIA an enviable University.

The highlight of the conference was the launching of the maiden journal of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, AE-FUNAI, with the Vice-Chancellor picking 25 copies for the University Library.