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 economic diversification and sustainable development of the country.
They noted that economic diversification is the sure way 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.
While declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. 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, said 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 unravelled through functional research.
He also commended the faculty for unveiling its maiden journal, which he equally acknowledged as meeting international journal standards.
The keynote speaker and the Vice Chancellor, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Prof. Augustine Uwakwe, said Nigeria as a developing country has much to do to meet up with advanced countries, hence the need for the conference.
He described bioscience as the core of research and innovation in curing diseases, providing safe and ample food and water and developing new sources of fuel. Uwakwe posited that economic diversification via bioscience research will help support multiple businesses, and 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.
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 the economy are put at the helm of affairs.
Also, Prof. Ositadinma Ugbogu, a Professor of Microbiology, 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.
He, therefore, recommended public investment and new imaginative public-private collaboration to make the Bioscience Revolution beneficial to developing countries, including Nigeria.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Akanu Ibiam, stated that conferences are strategic academic rituals meant for the growth of an academic environment, adding that it also gives the opportunity for the development of the educational system.
