Top scientists, researchers, and industry stakeholders, among others, held a two-day research and innovation fair/conference at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, recognizing the importance of leveraging endogenous technology for sustainable development in the oil, gas, and agro-allied industries.
Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, through his deputy Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu, declared the conference open, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to research, innovation, and sustainable industrialization.
The Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, in his opening address, said that there was no better time than now to discuss the fair/conference theme, “Leveraging Endogenous Technology for the Sustainable Development of the Nigerian Oil and Gas and Agro-Allied Industries,” when funding for universities, including research, has become a major challenge.
He said, “We shall continue to fund research as resources become available and facilitate the attraction of research funds by both our staff and students,” expressing confidence that with the array of scholars and research experts in various areas of science and technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship, the theme and sub-themes of the conference would be successfully addressed.
Chairman of the opening session, Professor Ogbonnaya Onwudike, who was the university’s second VC and is presently the VC of Rhema University, Aba, said that endogenous technologies refer to homegrown innovations and locally developed solutions that address industry-specific challenges.
He said, “The future of Nigerian oil, gas, and allied industries depends on our ability to embrace, nurture, and deploy endogenous technologies. By investing in local innovation, fostering sustainable industrial practices, and ensuring a robust policy framework, Nigeria can achieve energy security, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability.”
The fair/conference, which was the second one organized and hosted by the university’s Research Administration Directorate (DURA) (headed by Professor Kayode Simonyan) in collaboration with its Extension Centre (MEC), had as the special guest, Architect Sunny S. T. Echono, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The keynote address on the theme was delivered by Engineer Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, represented by Mr. Njoku Jonathan.
Ogbe called for the establishment of a Research and Development (R&D) Council, comprising the government, industries, and academia, to ensure that funded research outcomes are utilized for industrial operations, provide incentives for researchers, and ensure local patronage.
He also advocated for market-driven research that is government-approved, with outcomes ready to be deployed in operations, and emphasized the importance of a research roadmap, global engagement and collaboration, and product characterization along end-user needs.
The fair/conference had other notable participants and speakers, namely: Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Abuja, whose presentation provided insights into the role of local raw materials in industrial development and the need for policy support to enhance local content utilization.
Other speakers included Chief Raymond Isiadinso, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Mid-Century Agro-Allied Ventures Limited, who spoke on “Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for the Agricultural and Industrial Sectors of Nigeria,” highlighting the threats posed by climate change and proposed actionable strategies for resilience and adaptation.
Dr. Ebieri Jones, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Investment, spoke on “Circular Economy, Administration, Green Accounting, and Financing Approaches for Sustainable Transformation of Education, Agriculture, and Industry,” emphasizing the need for a shift from a linear economy to a circular model, promoting sustainable resource management.
Mr. Mokie-Frank Otevia of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, who discussed “Sustainability and Industrial Chemicals Production: Plastics Production as a Case Study,” underscored the necessity of sustainable industrial processes and innovation in petrochemical production.
The conferees posited that there is an urgent need for increased investment in research and development to foster innovation in local industries, as well as stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government for translating research findings into practical solutions.
Citing climate change as a sustained significant threat to Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial sectors that necessitates proactive mitigation and adaptation measures, the participants concurred that the adoption of a circular economy approach can enhance sustainable industrialization, reduce waste, and optimize resource use.
According to them, sustainable industrial chemical production, particularly in the petrochemical sector, should be prioritized to reduce environmental impact and enhance efficiency.
Reporting that this second research and innovation fair/conference successfully provided a platform for meaningful discourse on the role of endogenous technology in national development, the conferees noted that the university remains committed to fostering research and innovation that will drive sustainable industrial and economic growth in Nigeria.
They consequently tasked the stakeholders to implement the conference resolutions and recommendations to achieve long-term benefits for the oil and gas and agro-allied industries.
The recommendations included the establishment of a Research and Development Council (R&D) to ensure the effective utilization of funded research outcomes, encouraging market-driven research that is government-approved and has outcomes ready to be deployed in operations, and fostering collaboration and partnerships among academia, industry, and government to promote sustainable development.
Other recommendations were providing training and capacity-building programs for researchers and professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge, emphasizing sustainability in all aspects of research and innovation, and aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
