UNN hosts third Biennial African Nanotechnology conference

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Nano Research Group, in collaboration with Oil Serv Group of Companies recently hosted a- four- day African Nanotechnology International Conference/Workshops on Applications of Nanotechnology to Energy, Environment, Agriculture and Health, at tthe University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The theme was:Nanotechnology : Key to national and industrial development.

Chairman of the occasion, Dr. John Obinna Chukwu, a retired Federal Permanent Secretary, said “Nigeria cannot be left out on the need to urgently embrace advances in Nanotechnology because of the inherent benefits the country will derive from its application.”

He expressed joy that Nigeria has bought into the high potential technology of nanotechnology as is evident in National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) website, disclosing that,” a road map and business plan for the successful take off of Nigeria’sNano technology and Advanced Materials Programme is being drawn, in addition to a National Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials being established and to be domiciled within NASENI“
Chukwu was, however, quick to emphasise that research and development should not be left for government alone because of known obvious constraints.

He cited the synergy already existing between the UNN Nano Research group, and their major sponsor, the oil serv limited group of companies headed by Dr. EmekaOkwuosa, a successful private entrepreneur and leading industrialist, thanking participants including oil serv group for partnering with the UNN research group to make the event a reality.

Dr Emeka Okwuosa , a veteran engineer, administrator, entrepreneur and a visionary with vast industry experience pointed out that Nano technology is the future of the developing world and that “it is vital to close the gap between the global south and global north as well as to increase peoples standard of living and to ensure sustained growth. “

Participants ,who were received by the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, who was represented by Prof. Charles Igwe, charged the UNN research group to deepen awareness of the research activities .

Prof Fabian Ezema of Department of Physics & Astronomy, UNN, appreciated the Vice Chancellor for offering the enabling environment for research.