Experts Urge Authorities to Invest in Tech and Innovation for National Development

The maiden international conference and exhibition of the Faculty of Science at the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) has emphasized the importance of investing in science, technology, and innovation to drive national development.

The conference, themed "Science for Sustainable Development: Bridging Gaps and Driving Innovation," brought together experts and participants to discuss the pivotal role of science, technology, and innovation in driving sustainable development and addressing societal challenges.

Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Lafia, highlighted the need for innovation in sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, and healthcare to create employment opportunities, enhance livelihoods, and uplift millions out of poverty globally. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among scientists to address pressing issues like climate change, poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

Guest speakers, Prof. Saratu Mamman and Prof. Hyacinth Oluma, underscored the importance of fostering innovation and harnessing emerging technologies to address global challenges. They emphasized the role of science in transforming societies for the better, calling for enhanced collaboration, investment in education and training, and equitable distribution of benefits of scientific advancements.

The conference emphasized the need for a balance between the economy, environment, and society to achieve sustainable growth and human development. It provided a platform for experts to discuss the importance of sustainable development in meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs.

The call to invest in tech and innovation for national development is in line with global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. The United Nations has emphasized the importance of science, technology, and innovation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . Similarly, the Havana G77 Declaration has called for increased investment in science and innovation, advocating for inclusive partnerships and the strengthening of South-South cooperation to advance the SDGs .