By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Professor of Solid-State Physics, Tajudeen Oladele Ahmed, has called for establishment and proper funding of Solid State Physics Research Projects from where new high-tech enterprises would evolve on the long run.
Prof. Ahmed made the call in his lecture at the 16th Inaugural Lecture Series of the University on the topic “Solid-State Physics: Materials Development For Sustainable Energy Technologies”, presented on Wednesday in Lokoja.
The Professor of Solid-State Physics explained that the development of materials in the context of Solid-State Physics refers to the reproducible synthesis methods, structure and property characterization.
“This, according to him, is needed to develop varieties of materials for energy sources and storage devices that are required to solve the problem of energy crisis that is being faced currently in Nigeria and the world.
“The need for green technology and low-carbon economy is rising rapidly and the abilities to create varieties of new energy technologies with improved efficiency would give an edge in the long run to the country.
“The global economy is today driven by cutting edge technology and the top eighteen (18) most sought after technologies are not limited to information and communication technology and quantum computing but include sustainable energy technologies.
“Thus, Nigeria as a country has to be a partaker in this drive for a new world order. It is in the light of the above enumerated facts and the associated benefits that I chose the title “Solid State Physics: Materials Development for Sustainable Energy Technologies,” he said.
Ahmed said Nigeria as nation need not abandon this frontier of STI for advanced nations but should invest in it as this would in the long run put the country in the fore front or as a contender for green technology in the new era of low-carbon economy.
He challenged the management of the Federal University Lokoja to take advantage and play a critical role in the materials development and sustainable energy technologies for inclusive economic development of the nation.
He said this can be achieved by establishing and funding Solid State Physics Research Projects where in the long run new high-tech enterprises would emanate from the research outputs.
This is indeed a paradigm shift the University has to contend with not only for the purposes of sustainable and inclusive national economic development but for her own survival too, hence this innovation and entrepreneurial-driven thrust must be embarked upon as soon as possible.
“Whilst there is need to enhance capacity in FUL as a new university in Nigeria which is strategically positioned, the critical ingredients for FUL to adequately perform and contribute to STI development needs to be provided by the government and other agencies.
Speaking after the two-hour lecture, Vice-Chancellor of FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi described the Inaugural Lectures series as a cherished tradition in the university to meet the academic requirements.
The Vice Chancellor said said that through the delivery, Prof. Ahmed had discharged one of the requirements of his calling in the academia and had therefore, been acquitted. (Ends)