The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, premising its demand on the leading role played in the popularizing in the new area of study, has canvassed for its recognition as the Centre of Excellence in Nanotechnology, in Nigeria.
Vice-Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Michael Olufisayo Ologunde, who received in his office, ahead of the 8th LAUTECH Nano Conference, representative of the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Kelechi Ebiseke, said LAUTECH had consistently proven to be a leader in the field and possessed the capacity to deliver genuine results in the areas of knowledge generation, manpower training and product development.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to encourage Nigerian Scientists to utilize nanotechnology for the development and advancement of the Nation, as part of a continued effort to advance the course of science and technology.
While commending government for putting in place a National steering committee to engender a national policy, he explained that Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field in which Material scientists, Physical scientists, Agriculturists, Engineers, Life Scientists and Medical personnel find common interest.
In his welcome address, Head, Nanotechnology Research Group, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Professor Agbaje Lateef, had spoken about a publication on green nanotechnology research in Nigeria, where adequate funding, provision of functional facilities, curriculum development and re-engineering, development of national policy on nanotechnology and manpower development as critical inputs needed to position Nigeria as a player in nanotechnology Research and Development in Africa were highlighted.
He corroborated the position of the Vice-Chancellor, saying “In this connection, LAUTECH is ripe enough to host a national centre of excellence in nanoscience and nanotechnology. We have the zeal, we have the expertise, and we have demonstrated the will and capacity to lead”.
Responding on behalf of the Minister, Dr Ebisike acknowledged LAUTECH’s leading role in ensuring that Nigeria is not left out of the technology that is gaining momentum in various sectors such as Medicine, energy, Agriculture, environment, among others.
While appealing to organizers of the Conference to continue in the pursuit of the best for the country, he urged them to note that the LAUTECH nanotechnology Research Group should be keen on building necessary skills among the up-coming and early-career researchers, so that the country can have nanotechnology skilled man-power base for scientific and technological advancement.