By Ovat Abeng
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Igbariam, Anambra State, has key into governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s 2070 vision of making Anambra a green, smart and digital state in Nigeria.
Prof Kingsley K. Nwozor, Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences of the University, disclosed this as part of his address during this year’s 2024 sixth edition of the Faculty’s International Conference and Exhibitions for Energy, Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship (FAPSCON 2024), held at the ETF Auditorium Igbariam campus, on Wednesday.
He said the visionary leadership of Governor Soludo, e-government policy are spearheading a digital revolution, fostering inclusivity and propelling the state towards a more digitally inclusive future.
According to Prof Nwozor, the University is keying into the vision to enable staff, students and the entire University’s community to equipped themselves the more about the fourth Industrial Revolution.
“FAPSCON has provided a vibrant platform for stakeholders across academia, industry and government to exchange knowledge, drive innovations and explore solutions to national and global challenges.
“This year’s theme; “Building Nigerian Skills and Capacities for the 4th Industrial Revolution,’ speaks directly to the urgent need for Nigeria to recalibrate it’s national priorities to align with the sustainable development goals and the fast-evolving demands of the global economy. As we navigate the complexities of the 4th Industrial Revolution characterised by advances in green energy, artificial intelligence, automation and digitalization, our collective focus must remain on skilling, upskilling, reskilling and fostering technological innovation.
“The conference theme for this year builds on the remarkable foundation laid by previous FAPSCON editions. In 2019, we focused on “Repositioning the narratives of scientific research for sustainable development,” emphasizing the role of research as the bedrock of national progress. In 2021, FAPSCON explored Leveraging Science and Technology for Responsible Governance and Wealth Creation highlighting the importance of local innovations in achieving industrial self-sufficiency. Last year, in 2023, we addressed “breaking barriers to innovation, local manufacturing and technology development in Nigeria” stressing the need to remove structural bottlenecks hindering the development and commercialization of research outputs and indigenous Innovations.
“The objectives are clear; to foster partnership, build local competences and ensure that Nigeria is well-positioned for leadership in a tech-driven world. It is also important to note that FAPSCON 2024 is driven by the Values, Viability, and Visibility (3vs) agenda of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University as initiated by our visionary Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha.
“We are committed to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in quality education, industry, investments, innovation, impact and partnership.
Prof Nwozor while appreciating partners/sponsors of the event; the governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Dr. Stan Emoh, Retect Foundation, Solution Innovation District, Anestan Farms, Anambra State Materials Testing Laboratory, Electronic Development Institute (ELDI), Standard Institute of Technology, MTN, Technomobile and others for making the function a huge success, noted that the outcome anticipate from the slated 4-days conference include, the empowerment of participants with in-demand skills, enhanced understanding of Nigeria’s industrial readiness and new pathways for collaboration through the Pentahelix Integrated Innovation Ecosystem (PIIE).
Declaring the Conference open, the Ag Vice-chancellor of the University, Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha, expressed optimism that the Conference will yield recommendations, that will help shape policy makers and practice on desirability of industrialization in Nigeria.
The VC also urged the organisers to come up with a communique at the end of the event that will draw the attention of the government the more towards the lingering energy crisis in the country.
On her keynote address, the facilitator-general of the event and the governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, said her husband administration is committed to laying a strong foundation for a future where every person in Anambra State has the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven world.
According to her, we must acknowledge the transformative nature of the 4th Industrial Revolution—a revolution characterized by the fusion of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, blockchain, virtual reality, biotechnology, and smart energy.
“This is not just a shift in industry; it is a shift in how we think, learn, work, and interact with the world around us. This change is impacting every one of us.
“In this new smart era, skills and capabilities will be the currency that determines our success. According to the World Economic Forum, over 85 million jobs may be displaced due to the rapid advancement of technology by 2025. However, the same report predicts the emergence of 97 million new roles that will require a new set of skills and expertise.
“This stark reality presents us with a profound opportunity to rethink our approach to education, training, and workforce development.
“In Nigeria—and by extension, Anambra—the need for a skilled workforce is more pressing than ever. With over 60% of our population under the age of 25, we have a unique opportunity to harness the potential of our youth. However, as it stands, only about 20% of graduates in Nigeria possess the skills that are relevant to today’s job market.
This gap signifies that we must act decisively to empower our young people with the tools they need to succeed.
“I expect COOU, the University of the Now and Future, to lead the charge in changing this situation with its graduates.
“This vision aligns seamlessly with that of my husband, His Excellency Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who has consistently emphasized the importance of developing a knowledge-driven economy in Anambra State. His administration’s long-term strategic plan seeks to transform our state into a hub of innovation and technology, enabling us to harness our vast human and natural resources for sustainable development.
Under Governor Soludo’s leadership, we have initiated programs aimed at enhancing the skills of our youth, particularly in the fields of technology and entrepreneurship.
Infrastructure.
This administration is committed to energy efficiency and over 25,000 streetlights have been converted to solar energy, replacing expensive and inefficient diesel-powered generators which provided power only for a few hours per night. Government offices, Anambra Broadcasting Service Station including the state secretariat and the Solution Innovation District, are now largely powered by renewable energy—solar, ensuring efficient and environmentally-friendly energy.
“In our efforts to equip our citizens with the skills and capabilities needed to thrive in the 4th Industrial Revolution and drive technological breakthroughs and innovations that will shape the future of Anambra and Africa, it is crucial to remember that our greatest asset is our health. As the First Lady of Anambra State, and through my NGO, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, I am passionate about ensuring that we balance the pursuit of innovation and entrepreneurship with prioritizing our well-being.
“Join me, let’s build a future where innovation and healthy living go hand in hand.
“I urge each one of you, Ndi Anambra, to reflect on the role you can play in building a future-ready workforce for Nigeria and the world,” the first lady concluded.
Earlier in their seperate remarks, the chairman on the occasion, Prof Charles Ofoegbu, Chairman, Anambra State Petroleum and Energy Resources Limited and the University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Osita Chiaghanam who also serve as the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, says that the Conference will highlight new approaches on how to transform from analogue to digital in order to have tangible industrial policies that will make Anambra a total hub of digitalization in Nigeria and beyond.
The Conference also feature award presentation to Mrs Soludo as the Pioneer of the Faculty of Physical Sciences and a panel discussion led by the Special Adviser to governor Soludo on digital innovation, Ms Chinwe Okoli.
