EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The conference which had as its theme, Nanotechnology: A springboard for national development, lived up to its billing. The key stakeholders explored the place of Nano technology as it will affect humanity and our country. The good news for the organizers was the presence of a high-powered representative from the Minister of Science and Technology, the first time of such representation.

The minister announced that the federal government will soon receive the draft national nanotechnology policy document that will guide the application of the scientific phenomenon in the country. The minister stressed that President Muhammed Buhari has shown strong political will to support the role of science, technology and innovation in the development of the country including stating that 0.5% of our GDP will be set aside to support research and innovation.

Engr. Okwuosa’s paper received a lot of attention by the way it highlighted the potential application of nanotechnology in energy for the enhancement of energy efficiency across industries, and its correlation to renewable and efficient energy. On health, the news that nanotechnology can actually aid in the battling of the deadly coronavirus was instructive. His paper also explored the place of nanotechnology in environmental management, and also in Agriculture for crop improvement, fertilizers, pesticides etc.

Engr. Okwuosa’s specific message to the UNN Nano group and participants are:

DAY 1
a) IN ATTENDANCE

1. b) COURTEST CALL ON THE VICE CHANCELLOR

The 4th African Nano Conference and Workshop kicked off at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka on 19th of July 2021. It will end on the 24th of July. This biennial conference is in its 7th year with the theme: NANAOTECHNOLOGY, A SPRINGBOARD FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

The conference is organized by the Nano Research Group of the University of Nigeria Nsukka in collaboration with Oilserv Limited. The event kicked off with a courtesy call on the chief host and VC of UNN, Professor Charles Igwe in his office. The team to the VC’s office was led by the special guest of honor, her excellency, Chief Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of the governor of Ondo state; the honorable minister of science and Technology represented by Prof. E. J. Bala, head of Nigeria Energy Commission; Engr. Dr. Emeka Okwuosa, Chairman/GCEO of Oilserv represented by Engr. Chuka Eze, MD Frazimex Engineering; Prof. Joy Osuji, chairman of the Nano Research Group, Prof. Fabian Ezema, LOC chairman; the chairman of the occasion Arc. (Dr.) Edward Nkwegu among a horde of brilliant academics and scientists.

The VC again, welcomed all attendees, yet reserved special commendations for Oilserv Limited for consistently providing funding for the research group in the past 7 years. The VC, thanked Engr. Okwuosa and Oilserv, and prays that he doesn’t rest on his oars, but must continue to lend his support financially and morally until Nigeria joins the comity of nations making breakthroughs in nano tech. He also was elated with the quality of representation from the minister. The VC commended the Ondo 1st Lady for her interest on the subject of Nanotechnology. The courtesy call was wrapped up with a group photograph outside the VC’s office.

1. c) CONFERENCE PROPERThe conference proper kicked off at the Princess Alexandria Auditorium. Speaker after speaker praised the role of Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, the chairman and GCEO of Oilserv for his consistent support and funding of the Nano Research Group from inception till date. It is incontrovertibly true that the continued existence and growth of this group is chiefly through the support of Oilserv. They were speeches from the Minister, the first Lady of Ondo state, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Igwe; Prof. Osuji, and of course from Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, beautifully delivered by Engr. Chuka Eze. In the speech, Engr. Okwuosa reiterated his commitment to the advancement of nanotechnology in Nigeria. This is in the belief that nanotechnology can solve immediate societal challenges and improve human existence.

The first day witnessed the presentation of brilliant papers from many academics, virtually and physically. Some of the presenters were Wole Soboyejo, Senior VP and Provost, WPI, USA; Professors Emmanuel Iwuoha, University of Western Cape, Cape Town, SA; Clara Santoto, Ecole Polytechnic de Montreal, Canada; Kenneth Ozoemena, University of Witwatersand (Wits) SA; M.A Mazza, University of SA; Jonathan Brame, the US ARMY; etc. The presenters explored how nanotechnology can be applied to various areas of life: medicine, agriculture, the environment, electricity generation, etc.

When we spoke to Prof. Osuji and Prof. Fabian Ezema, they collectively attributed the sustenance of this important research group to the untiring efforts of Engr. Okwuosa and his Oilserv Company. Prof. Rose Osuji said if other Nigerian entrepreneurs can emulate the selfless contribution of Oilserv to academic research, the country in no distant time will achieve global parity with the leading countries.

DAY 2

The conference broke into plenary with presentations from another array of brilliant academics like Professor O. A. Arotiba, Prof M. V Reddy, Prof. Justus Ndukaife, Prof. Olugbenga Oladepo Dare, Prof. Ishaq Ahmed, Prof. Hendry Elim, Prof. Chibueze Amanchukwu, Prof. Emeka Oguzie, Prof. Iheanyi Ochonogor, Dr. Kingsley Obodo, and many more.

MEETING WITH NANO RESEARCH GROUP LOC
IN ATTENDANCE:

We reviewed the conference and workshop so far. I briefed them on the chairman’s expectations from them; that he expects a comprehensive report on how the conference has impacted the university, students, the country, and the academia.

They suggested that I should communicate to our chairman their desire to make this an annual event rather than a biennial one, so that momentum can be maintained. They believed the technological world is moving at almost faster rate than the speed of light, and a day’s delay could leave one years behind.

On our part we suggested increased/enlarged students’ participation. For example, sponsoring 10 students from surrounding universities to participate in the conference each time it is held.

DAY 3
The workshop moved to the ICT centre of the university where many more academics, research scientists and lecturers presented virtually from all over the world.

VISIT TO THE NANOTECHNOLOGY LAB
The LOC took us on an inspection of their small Nanotechnology Laboratory. They showed us around the Lab, some of their equipment were fabricated through the ingenuity of some students and staff. Also, showed us some equipment they were able to procure through grants from overseas.

We promised to report our findings to our organization, while encouraging them to intensify their engagement with the government and private organizations for more funding. The conference/workshop continued both online and physically throughout to Friday when it will finally wrap-up.

OBSERVATIONS:
We left the conference with having observed the following:

OBSERVATIONS:
The conference was a huge success in that it provoked thoughts on nanotechnology as a springboard for national development. But there are still so much to do. The research group need a lot of encouragement in the upgrade and equipment of the nanotechnology Laboratory, which presently looks like a child’s play-pen, that has no basis for comparison with such groups in many parts of the world.

The good news is that the Nano Research Group have remained dogged, determined and committed to their course against all odds. They are worth encouraging.