AKSU Faculty of Biological Sciences Holds 1st Scientific Conference

The Faculty of Biological Sciences, Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), held its 1st  Scientific Conference on the theme ‘Ecosystems in Transition: Adapting Biological Insights for Sustainable National Development,’ with an opening ceremony Thursday August 29, 2023 at the 500 Seater Auditorium, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor, Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Nse U. Essien, who also served as Chairman and Chief Host of the occasion, noted that Biology has very vast and prolific areas of research; he therefore encouraged students and researchers to venture into various aspects of Biological Sciences’ research that will x-ray the bigger picture of the ecosystem. He informed about the University’s commitment towards the establishment of Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) with the assistance of Prof. Uwem F. Ekpo within the University Campus.

Prof. Essien appreciated and welcomed the President of Nigerian Academy of Science and Special Guest of Honour for the conference, Prof. Ekanem I. Braide.  He congratulated the Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Prof. Veronica J. Umoh, Prof. Uwem E. Ekpo and members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), for their selfless contributions towards the success of the epoch-making event, and selecting the conference theme geared towards national development.

Speaking at the Conference, Prof. Ekanem I. Braide, President, Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) and Special Guest of Honour for the occasion, called on young Scientists to enroll in the Academy, stating that it is the foremost Independent Scientific Body in Nigeria dedicated to the development and advancement of science, technology and innovation in Nigeria for socio–economic development of the country, as well as functioning to bring scientific knowledge to positively guide the policies and strategic direction of the country. She congratulated the Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University for the strides in accreditation and his kind approval for the hosting of the conference.  

In her address, the Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Veronica J. Umoh recounted the achievements of the Faculty of Biological Sciences since its commencement of academic activities as a Department in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences in the areas of: increase in students’ enrollment; staff strength and development; improved academic programmes and infrastructure; movement of Faculty of Biological Sciences to the permanent site; full accreditation status with the National Universities Commission (NUC); collaborations, linkages and partnership with China Sea Institute of Oceanology, African Population and Health research Center (APHRC), Kasetsart University and African Centre of Excellence in future Energy and Electrochemical System (ACE-FUELS). She further acknowledged the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Vice-Chancellor, Guest of Honour, Speakers, Members of the Local Organising Committee and other Management Staff of Akwa Ibom State University for their contributions towards ensuring the success of the conference.

The Keynote Speaker, Prof Chinedu F. Mafiana, Professor of Parasitology and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, represented by Prof. Akaneren I. Essien, Professor of Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, AKSU and former Vice-Chancellor, University of Uyo, spoke extensively on “Biological Frontiers: Unraveling the Legacy of the 21st Century for National Progress.” He acknowledged the thoroughness and seriousness attached to the conference by the LOC through apt choice of the theme, sub-themes and scientific sessions put in place for every participant’s active engagement.

Equally, the keynote speaker commended the role of the National Universities Commission (NUC) for fulfilling its regulatory mandate to the Nation which is “to ensure the orderly development of a well-coordinated and productive University system that will guarantee quality and relevant education for national and global competitiveness.” Emphasising that the objective has been thoroughly applied to the unbundling and restructuring of the academic units and programmes in the erstwhile omnibus Faculty of Science which led to the creation of three New faculties including the Faculty of Biological Sciences, where six to seven academic programmes are domiciled, thereby advancing and expanding the course and pursuance of core scientific research for global and national relevance.

Prof. Victor O. Nwaugo, who is the Director, Research and Publications, Abia State University, Uturu, presented a paper entitled ‘Health and Humanity; Transformative Biological Discoveries for National Wealth,’ while the Chairman, House Committee on Sciences and Technology, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Uyo, Hon. (Engr) Uduak-Obong Ekpo-Ufot spoke on ‘Sciences and Technology Legacies within the ARISE Agenda of Akwa Ibom State’.

In their goodwill messages, the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebiet, represented by Dr. Anietie Ikot; former Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Glory Edet; Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Akwa Ibom State,, Hon. Aniekan Akpan, represented by Dr. Godwin Timothy Mbang; and one of the sponsors of the conference cum the representative of the Helen Keller International  and the ENDFund, Abuja, Nigeria, Dr. Hammed Mogagi congratulated the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Akwa Ibom State University for the successful commencement of Maiden Scientific Conference, noting the critical role of Biological Sciences in addressing the Nation’s biodiversity challenges as it affects national development. They encouraged participants to learn from the academic experience of experts who gathered to deliberate on strategies towards achieving positive economic growth and improved public health.

The event featured poster presentations, panel discussions, technical and plenary sessions, as well as traditional dance displays. Sponsors included: Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden; Faculty of Biological Sciences; Research Centre for Parasite Epidemiology and Control; Prof. Monday Akpanabiatu; Prof. Lawrence Usip and Prof. Uwem F. Ekpo, all of AKSU; Prof. Eno James Ibanga; Mr. Aniefiok F. Ekpo, United Kingdom; Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Oluwafemi, Canada; Dr. Adebiyi Adeniran and Dr. Hammed Mogaji, United States of America; Dr. Banji Surakat, Oshogbo; Rt. Hon (Engr.) Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, Uyo; MITOSATH, Lagos; Hellen Keller International and the ENDfund, Abuja, Nigeria.

The ceremony was well attended by Deans of Faculties, Professors, Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, Postgraduate and Undergraduate students, Political Office Holders, Members of the Academia and participants from various tertiary institutions. The closing formalities held Friday, August 29, 2024.