From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Ondo State, has canvassed the deployment of science and technology towards achieving food security in Nigeria.
Speakers at this year’s edition of the UNIMED Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (U-STEM) programme submitted that, if the world of science and technology is well harnessed, hunger in the country could be eradicated.
At the event themed “Ensuring Food Security through Science and Technology”, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, stressed the need for the government to tap into the benefits endowed by science and technology for the overall benefit of the citizenry.
The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Director of the Centre for Gender and Health Equity, Professor Augustina Duyilemi, said: “This is the fourth edition of the programme, and this particular one is very strategic. We consciously chose the theme to address food insecurity with the deployment of science and technology, given the enormity of the challenges this has posed to the nation in recent times.”
He added that “supposedly complex situations require simple solutions,” which can easily come from knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Experts who spoke at the event included Mrs Omolola Afolabi, Mrs Ruth James, and Engr Dele Akinsade.
In his presentation entitled “Artificial Intelligence”, Dele Akinsade, who oversees Microsoft Expansion in the Middle East and Africa, asserted: “Artificial Intelligence will not take jobs away from anyone as often mooted by people; rather, it will create opportunities in all areas of endeavour.”
He, therefore, encouraged secondary school students to embrace AI training as it will open bright horizons for them in the future.
Dr Lawal Oyeneyin, the Director of the Advancement Unit of the university, thanked the donors who have been sustaining the annual event through their magnanimous and selfless support.
He said: “The donors have simply been the backbone of this initiative that has enabled UNIMED to continue to give back to the community where the university is domiciled and other communities around. We do not take this for granted.”
