“The role of chemistry in national development can not be over emphasised. Chemistry is the bedrock of industrial growth. Any nation that neglects it cannot grow economically. Chemistry has brought economic prosperity to nations of the world.”

Locating chemistry in government’s 7-point agenda at the Covenant University 23rd public lecture series and first in the 2008/2009 academic session, she said:

“At the inception of this Administration, there was the 7-point agenda of President Yar’Adua, chemistry has the centre stage. In food security - production of pesticides, storage facilities, fertilizer, animal feed chemistry has a great role to play. Chemicals are source of local raw materials.

In energy, chemistry has a role in development of renewable energy. Chemistry in solar panel as Nigeria is blessed with sun shine. In health sector, the prevalent diseases can be controlled by use of chemicals.

In electronics, all types of spare parts, all have chemistry. So we need to develop it.”
Represented by Dr. Aremu, at the lecture, titled “Chemistry: Between Theory and Application,” delivered by Professor Kehinde O. Okonjo, Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ekpiwhre, described the topic as heart warming.

“To my mind, the theme is very appropriate, taking the role of science and technology in national development. Chemistry is a tool for generating wealth. Japan, China, USA, Britain, France, Canada, have high GDP due to science and technology and what they’ve done with chemistry. But Nigeria has low GDP. Chemistry is a force that is changing the world today. All nations who made it did so with chemistry.”

She said that Research and Development are the concern of Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, pointing out, “it’s the only way to move this nation forward.”

The minister charged scholars to translate their research findings into production for development of our national economy.

“This research document must not go down the drain. Translate the research to production for development of the economy,” adding, “for these researches to be meaningful, they should be translated into usage.”

Earlier in his own brief remarks, Dr. Aremu said the lecture is in line with what the Federal Government preaches. He recalled that since the establishment of University of Ibadan in 1948, series of other higher institutions have come on board with Covenant University as one of them. Many of them have been carrying out research projects.

“Also, different research institutions have been doing research in different areas. But many of these researches are hidden inside cupboards. What use is of research if not translated into production for benefit of mankind?

If research can not be translated, then there is no need for research,” he stated.
The public lecture attracted scientists and scholars from several universities, including Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Redeemer’s University, Lagos, Bells University of Technology, Ota, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, and the University of Ibadan.

Professor Aize Obayan, Vice Chancellor, Covenant University, said the lecture stimulated, and reinvigorated interest in chemistry, recalling that just only few days ago, scientists had gathered to re-enact the “Big Bang”.

“Covenant University is exploring systems and culture. The lecture centred on link between theory and application, the necessity to identify this, opened up the terrain for research, innovation and invention. A sustenance grip of theory and application, moving theory up to a doing act,” the VC noted.

Write Comment
Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
Name:
E-mail
Title:
Comment:
Code:*
	I wish to be contacted by email regarding additional comments

Comments (1)