By Correspondent.
A professor of Mechanical Engineering, Oluseyi Ajayi,has urged the Federal Government to create a conducive research environment and embrace locally developed solutions to address the nation’s challenges.
Ajayi of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Covenant University, Ota,Ogun state,south west Nigeria, made the call during the 30th Inaugural Lecture of the institution on Friday in Ota.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lecture has as its topic: “Sustainable Energy And Production Technology: Panacea for the Development We Want”.
The don expressed concern over the increasing trend of “Japa” syndrome, whereby Nigerian youths, professionals, technical experts, and academics leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
According to Ajayi, the exodus is not solely driven by the desire for financial gain, but also stems from a quest to contribute to society and utilisze innate abilities to improve the environment.
“The countries where they have gone are those that have, over the years, focused on adequate energy access, appreciate indigenous solutions to industrial challenges and production needs.
“In addition, they should also embrace innovations, encourage new discoveries and handsomely reward performance and achievement.
“If the Federal Government could focus on all of these factors, thus the trend of Japa syndrome would drastically reduce,” he said.
He also called on universities across the nation to prioritisze research and development efforts, seek global solutions while addressing local research needs, to contribute to national development effectively.
In his address of Welcome, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, the Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, highlighted the institution’s commitment to bridging the gap in scientific and technological research, particularly in the area of green and innovative energy solutions.
He emphasized the need for sustainable economic development and underscored the importance of addressing climate change, as projected by the World Health Organisation, to prevent additional deaths due to undernutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress by 2030-2050.
“The lecture is germane and timely as it is coming on the heels of global outcries on the effects of greenhouse emissions on climate change.
“The shared knowledge and recommendations at this inaugural would prompt all the key stakeholders in the energy sector to begin actionable steps.
“These steps will also help towards harnessing the country’s abundant green resources to generate cleaner, cheaper and accessible and sustainable energy, “he said.
In his remarks, Dr David Oyedepo, the Chancellor of Covenant University, emphasized the significance of providing solutions to Nigeria’s problems rather than solely focusing on external challenges.
Oyedepo, represented by Pastor Niyi Beecroft, member, Board of Regent, acknowledged the country’s struggle with corruption, economic instability, and political issues, but expressed confidence that these challenges could be overcome through political will and prayer.
He said, “They are surmountable if we exercise political will and pray to God.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).
