Federal Polytechnic Damaturu Opens 10th ASUP Conference, Challenges Researchers to Turn Findings into Solutions

The 10th Multidisciplinary Annual Conference of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu Branch, has commenced with a call for researchers to ensure that their findings are translated into practical solutions capable of addressing national challenges.

The four-day conference, which opened on Tuesday, brought together academic and non-academic staff, researchers, students and other stakeholders to discuss issues around skills development, innovation, technology and national transformation.

Speaking through the Deputy Rector, Administration, Dr. Lawan Cheri, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir, urged researchers to go beyond generating knowledge by applying their findings to real-life challenges.  

He stressed that knowledge must be complemented with relevant skills, innovation and technology to produce meaningful development.  

The Rector also encouraged researchers to share their ideas and findings with others, noting that collaboration and exchange of knowledge could help develop practical responses to societal challenges.

The Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Habeeb Muhammad Abideen, commended the Rector and Management of the Polytechnic for supporting the conference and participating in the event.  

He disclosed that 121 papers had been submitted for presentation and discussion through physical and virtual platforms, describing the conference as well attended.

Delivering the keynote address, the institution’s Director of Affiliations, Linkages and Collaboration, Dr. Reuben Omatayo Akinsola, highlighted the importance of innovation and technology in human development and national transformation.  

He said technological advancement should be harnessed to equip people with the skills required to respond effectively to the changing demands of society and the economy.

The lead paper presenter, Engineer Dr. Shettima Umara Ali, also called for a shift from traditional approaches to modern methods of skills acquisition and development as a way of addressing the skills gap.  

He cited initiatives by Federal Polytechnic Damaturu aimed at linking skills development with certification, including efforts to formalise and certify the skills of artisans in Yobe State.  

Dr. Ali also highlighted the Polytechnic’s collaboration with the Yobe State Government to provide skills training programmes for Almajiri youths at two centres of the institution.  

He described innovation as an important driver of skills development and stressed the need for institutions to continually adapt their training approaches to meet emerging societal and economic needs.

In his goodwill message, the Registrar of the Polytechnic, Muazu Aliyu Iliyasu, represented by the Establishment Officer, Sulyman Yalwa, described the conference theme as timely and relevant to Nigeria’s development challenges.  

He urged participants to produce research findings and recommendations with practical value and the potential to contribute to national development.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of ASUP, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu Branch, expressed appreciation to the Rector, Management, principal officers, staff, researchers and other stakeholders for their support towards the success of the conference.

The event was attended by principal officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, academic and non-academic staff, students and other participants.