Prof. Mohammed Haruna, Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has urged scientists to intensify their quest for more research for the discovery of more knowledge for the society.
Haruna gave the advice in Abuja at the ninth convocation ceremony of African University of Science and Technology, where 145 students of post graduate studies 2021/2022 graduated.
He urged the graduating students, mostly scientists, not to give up in the struggle for research, but continue to attempt to bring science as the solutions to world problem.
According to him, they have to struggle, work hard and persevere since science and technology innovation is the solution to the world problems and the immediate environment.
He called on leaders across the African continent and Nigeria in particular, to appreciate scientific knowledge, saying that this had given an edge to other part of the world.
He also called on the leaders to create an enabling environment where scientists would thrive and bring about more innovation.
“Scientists don’t live in an island, they live in the same world; they need the moral lessons given to them to survive in a turbulent society.
“You may be a scientist but if the enabling environment is not there, creative practising will not be allowed for you.
“Skill and knowledge in science and technology do not give way to opposition, but because of lack of understanding, politicians and administrators do not know this.
“Our scientists need that lesson to be resilient and be able to attempt things even when you failed thousands of time, so I’m telling them do not give up in your struggle in the attempt to bring scientific solutions.
“Today I have nine graduates that are NASENI staff and they are sponsored by the organisation; there are other interventions NASENI is doing; this school is part of the African Union Scientist community.
“NASENI has other intervention and partnership with this University since 2012; I have lectured in this university for two years as part of our own contribution and to see that certain courses of interest take off successfully,” he stressed.
The Acting President of the institution, Prof Azikiwe Onwualu, expressed pleasure about the convocation, adding that the university had recorded great milestone in different programme since the last convocation in 2019.
According to him, in 2007, the university started Msc and PhD in five disciplines, including Mathematics, Physics, Computer science, Material science and Engineering and Petroleum engineering and that the five courses had reached their peak.
He said that the courses had also not only achieved accreditation from the National University Commission, but also achieved international accreditation from the high Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education of France for Material Science and Engineering.
“Additionally, the university had established Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and materials science and engineering.
“In accordance with the university’s strategic plan, it decided to increase the number of postgraduate and undergraduate programme.
Therefore, the process for securing NUC approval for new programme was initiated.
“The NUC has approved the establishment of new Programmes,” he said. (NAN)
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