UNN to host African scientists

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka will play host to African scientists in October at the Sixth Conference of Vice-Chancellors and Deans of Science, Engineering and Technology (COVIDSET), an official has announced.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, told a news conference in Enugu on Thursday that up to 350 scientists were being expected at the conference scheduled for Oct. 4 to Oct. 7.

Ozumba said that the conference was being organised by the African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the German Academic Exchange Service.

“The bi-annual conference will provide a platform for African leaders and policy makers to exchange ideas, share experiences and good practices, sensitise policy makers and university leaders on current and emerging trends in science, engineering, technology and innovation.

“It is for Africa’s global competitiveness and will develop strategies and actions for enhancing university education and training,’’ he said.

The vice-chancellor said that ANSTI, which started in 1974, had brought together 139 institutions in 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa to focus on human capital development in science, engineering and technology.

He said that the conference would address four thematic areas, including the state of science, engineering, technology and innovation education in Africa and climate change and sustainable development.

It will also discuss research commercialisation and higher education financing and making science, engineering, technology and innovation relevant for youth employability.

The conference had previously been held in Ghana (2005), South Africa (2007 and 2011), Uganda (2009) and Botswana (2013).