SCIENCOON Science Festival Celebrates Fusion of Nigerian Heritage with Science, Technology, and Innovation

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) hosted a vibrant and culturally infused event as SCIENCOON, the university’s premier science club, held its annual science festival under the theme “Emerge and Thrive: Integrating Nigerian Heritage in Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Agriculture.” The festival, which drew a large audience of students, faculty members, and guest speakers, aimed to inspire leadership and innovation through a blend of scientific excellence and cultural pride.

Ambassador Segun, founding president of SCIENCOON, set the tone for the event with an impassioned opening speech. He emphasized SCIENCOON’s mission to nurture a generation of innovative thinkers capable of solving societal problems while embracing their cultural heritage. According to Segun, SCIENCOON aspires to be Nigeria’s largest hub for fostering creative solutions that merge academic rigor with cultural identity.

The festival showcased an array of activities designed to engage students and promote interdisciplinary discussions. One of the day’s highlights was a spoken word performance by FUTA student Oluwadunsi Omotayo, whose powerful piece on Nigerian heritage resonated with the audience and set an energetic atmosphere for the day’s proceedings.

Bioinformatics in Drug Discovery: Keynote Lecture by Dr. Elekofehinti

In a captivating keynote lecture, Dr. Elekofehinti, a pharmacology expert, delved into the pivotal role of bioinformatics in drug discovery. His presentation outlined how advanced bioinformatics tools are revolutionizing drug research, particularly by expediting the identification of potential drug targets. He encouraged students to explore the growing opportunities in the bioinformatics field, sparking interest among the attendees.

Interactive Learning and Cultural Discussions

The festival maintained a balance between education and entertainment, with a lively Kahoot quiz hosted by the Impact Leaders Club. The competition added an interactive element to the event, with Blessing, a 500-level Microbiology student, emerging as the quiz champion.

One of the key segments of the festival was the panel discussion titled “Fostering Innovation Through Nigerian Heritage,” moderated by Tolulope Ajayi. Panelists, including tech entrepreneur Esedere Abraham and Professor Badejo, explored the potential of integrating traditional Nigerian knowledge into modern technology and leadership. They advocated for self-reliance and innovation rooted in Nigeria’s cultural legacy, calling for solutions tailored to local contexts.

Innovation Pitches and Competitions

Students also presented innovative projects, showcasing their critical thinking and creativity. Their pitches earned applause from both the audience and panelists, highlighting the talent emerging from FUTA’s academic community. Adding a cultural dimension to the event, a Best Dressed competition celebrated students wearing traditional Nigerian attire, reinforcing the festival’s theme of blending heritage with innovation.

Public Health Session and Cultural Insights

In the public health realm, the Pioneer Medical Initiative presented Healthy Series 2.0, offering students valuable health tips and public health research insights aimed at promoting healthier living.

The festival concluded with a keynote lecture by Prof. Ganiyu Oboh, who stressed the importance of aligning innovation with Nigeria’s unique cultural and environmental contexts. His lecture on Cultural Heritage and National Development underscored the critical role heritage plays in sustainable development, leaving the audience with a sense of optimism for Nigeria’s future.

Closing Remarks and Call to Action

In his closing remarks, SCIENCOON President Anoro Emmanuel thanked participants for their active involvement and reiterated the importance of merging science with culture. He described the festival’s theme, “Emerge and Thrive,” as a call to action for students to continue leading in innovation while honoring their cultural roots.

This year’s SCIENCOON Science Festival successfully bridged the gap between tradition and modernity, inspiring FUTA students to emerge as leaders in science and innovation, with a deep connection to their Nigerian heritage.