Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment

Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, has underscored the need for the adoption of scientific and technological innovations as crucial tools to the development of the nation.

Prof. Arigbabu emphasised this during the 2nd International Conference of the College of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), saying scientific advancements would ensure sustainable technologies and practices that minimise negative impact on the environment and harness resources.

He reiterated that digitalisation of the state's education sector had helped to dissipate energy by blocking leakages, checkmating malpractices and indiscipline, as well as improve efficiency and performances.

The Commissioner noted that investing in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teaching and researches, would inculcate a culture of innovation from an early age and prepare students to become future scientists and innovators.

"For us as a country, we cannot afford to be in the back seat in the application and utilisation of science and technology to tackle Nigerian problems", he said.

While declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor, FUNAAB, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, said the programme was a vital platform for intellectual discourse, where diverse perspectives converged to address challenges in the society, towards enhancing the education sector.

He added that the conference was an opportunity to delve into latest research process, innovative practices and transformative ideas that would redefine the landscape of higher education.