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, made the call during the 30th Inaugural Lecture of the institution on Friday in Ota,Ogun.
The Lecture has as its topic: “Sustainable Energy And Production Technology: Panacea for the Development We Want.”
He 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 mass exodus is not solely driven by the desire for financial gain, but also stems from a quest to contribute to society and utilise 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, encourages 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 called on universities across the nation to prioritise research and development efforts, seek global solutions while addressing local research needs, to contribute to national development effectively.
In his Welcome remarks, 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 emphasised 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 toward harnessing the country’s abundant green resources to generate cleaner, cheaper and accessible and sustainable energy, “he added.
In his remarks, Dr David Oyedepo, the Chancellor of Covenant University, emphasised the significance of providing solutions to Nigeria’s problems rather than solely focusing on external challenges.
He acknowledged the country’s struggles with corruption, economic instability, and political issues, but expressed confidence that these challenges can be overcome through political will and prayer.
Oyedepo, represented by Pastor Niyi Beecroft, Member Board of Regent, acknowledged the country’s struggles 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.”
