Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul has postulated that innovation in Science and Technology has always been the bedrock of societal progress.
Dr. Abdul made the declaration during the 7th International Conference and Exhibitions organized by the School of Science titled “Scientific And Technological Innovations: Catalysts For Sustainable Transformation And Developments”.
The gathering according to him, represents the convergence of ideas, research and knowledge that can pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future, and the pressing challenges that our planet faces from climate change to resource depletion and social inequalities call for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, in which science and technology are not mere tools but driving forces that can catalyze transformative changes across various sectors and disciplines.
He said that tertiary institution in Nigeria hinted that innovation in Science and Technology has the power to redefine industries, enhance productivity and improve the quality of our lives, and our role as scholars, researchers and practitioners goes beyond innovation for innovation's sake, but we must ensure that our advancements contribute to sustainable development, addressing the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Dr. Engr. Abdul, who was ably represented by the Deputy Rector Academics, Dr. Engr. Ismail Badmus, stated that as catalysts for this transformation, our esteemed scientists and technologists are uniquely positioned to push boundaries and explore new horizons, their research and innovations are critical not only in developing new technologies but also in fostering a mindset that prioritizes sustainability, and from renewable energy solutions and sustainable agriculture practices to waste management systems and smarter urban planning, their work holds the key to finding holistic solutions to the complex challenges we face.
According to him “This conference aims to provide a platform for vibrant discussions, knowledge exchange and collaborative partnerships.
"I encourage each of you to engage actively, share your insights and connect with fellow innovators. Let us harness the collective expertise in this auditorium to inspire actions that leads to substantial advancements in our communities and beyond”.
The lead speaker lecturer, Prof. Olusegun Ayejuyo in his paper, titled: “Innovation in science and Technology” expatiated that innovation can be viewed as a deliberate intervention to try out new ideas in solving concrete or identified problems/challenges, and any new knowledge or theory from science will eventually influence a technological advancement, similarly, a new technological advancement may lead to a new discovery.
The Professor of Chemistry from University of Lagos explained innovation in science and technology involve harnessing knowledge, expertise and resources to develop innovative solutions that solve problems, improve efficiency, drive progress, deliver value and technology innovation fuels scientific and technological advancement.
He affirmed that technology innovation fuels scientific and technological advancement, it has a significant impact on improving the quality of life for individuals and societies, it is a major driver of economic growth and competitiveness, and it fosters the development of new industries, job creation, and increased productivity.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Sesan Olufolabo, in his paper titled “Scientific and Technology Innovation: Catalysts for Sustainable Transformation and Development from Statistics Perspective”, stated that Statistics played a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing the data needed to measure progress, identify gaps, and for informed policy decisions.
Dr. Olufolabo admitted that Statistics drive research that can lead to innovative solutions for sustainable development challenges, and the use of big data and advanced statistical methods enhances the ability to analyse large data sets and providing deeper insights.
He submitted that It is of great practical significance to study the impact of the interaction between science and technology innovation, and industrial structure upgrading on the sustainable and high-quality development of regional and state economics, and Statistics is a dashboard to shine light on the impact of science and technology innovation in sustainable development.
In his welcome address, the Dean, School of Science, Dr. Abiodun Ashiru posited that the significance of the conference cannot be overstated, as the scholars gathered to explore the role of scientific and technological innovations in driving sustainable transformations and developments, at this pivotal moment in human history.
He added that participants are confronted with the challenge of finding innovative solutions to global issues, be it climate change, energy, resource management, food security, health care, or industrial advancements.
According to him, the answers lie in the fusion of scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs, which collectively have the power to transform the world into a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient one.
Dr. Ashiru was confident that in the course of the conference, participants will witness thought-provoking discussions, groundbreaking research presentations, and inspiring exhibitions, and the conference goal is not only to highlight the role of science and technology but also to forge partnerships and collaborations that will push the boundaries of knowledge and application, and together, we can work toward creating solutions that can be effectively translated into real-world that will impact locally and globally.
In his words “As we embark on this enriching discussions, let us keep in mind that innovation is a continuous process and it is my hope that the conference will inspire new ideas, foster collaboration, and lead to practical outcomes that will serve as catalysts for sustainable transformations in our communities, industries, and the environment.
Pix: Cross view of dignitaries at the 7th International Conference and Exhibition of the School of Science, Yaba College of Technology held yesterday with Dr. Engr. Ishmael Badmus (m), Deputy Rector, Academic, representing Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of the College
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