LAUTECH organises conference on nanotechnology, partners ministry, agency

Nigeria’s leading research group, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) Nanotechnology Research Group (NANO+), has concluded plans to hold its yearly conference between November 20 and 23.

Themed, “Nanotechnology in the fourth industrial revolution: Opportunities for emerging economies,” the conference would be held in conjunction with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

The Head of the Research Group, Prof. Agbaje Lateef, said the conference will be hosted by NASRDA at its Lugbe headquarters, Abuja, under the chairmanship of acting Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH, Prof. Rom O. R. Kalilu, while the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, will be the Special Guest at the opening ceremony on November 21.

Lateef, in a statement, said the conference will be co-chaired and hosted by the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Halilu A. Shaba, while the Director of Chemical Technology in the Ministry of
Innovation, Science and Technology, who doubles as the Chairman, National Steering Committee on Nanotechnology Policy Development, Mfon E.J. Bassey will co-host the conference.

The conference, which will be attended by scholars, policy makers, members of armed forces, students and the private sector, will discuss advances of nanotechnology in the fourth industrial revolution and opportunities that can be explored by developing Nigeria in the areas of manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, environment, security and defence, for sustainable development.

The Executive Vice Chairman of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, will give the keynote address, while several internationally recognised scholars will deliver papers at plenary.

Lateef thanked collaborators for supporting the group’s activities, and reiterated the need for the establishment of a centre of excellence in nanoscience to further promote nanotechnology in Nigeria.

Lateef also called on the Federal Government to finalise the passage of National Policy on Nanotechnology in Nigeria, stating that the lack of the policy is stifling research and development in Nanotechnology in the country.