The Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Eyitayo Ogunbodede has disclosed that the institution has concluded its plan to strengthen its Technology Planning and Development Unit(TPDU) for more effective research accomplishment and service delivery within the African region.
The Vice-Chancellor who made this known at the university African Institute For Science Policy And Innovation (AISPI) Biennial International Conference held in Ile-Ife in a speech made available on Wednesday, also spoke on the upgrading of the unit to UNESCO II category to train more people within and outside the country.
According to him, “the University, is committed to the highest level of scientific research, has established several research centres. There are also, a number of specialized Institutes in the University and the African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation (AISPI) is one of these.”
“The African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation(AISPI) started as Technology Planning and Development Unit (TPDU) in 1974 and was upgraded to an institute in June 2011.”
“The Unit was established to conduct policy research on how to harness Science and Technology for Economic Development. The functions of the Unit were also for governments and policy-making bodies in Nigeria and other developing countries”.
” The aim of the University for embarking on the project was to strengthen the then Technology Planning and Development Unit(TPDU) for more effective and efficient research accomplishment and service delivery within the African region.”
“Upgrading to UNESCO II category was to enable the institute to train more people both nationally and internationally and conduct cutting edge research in Science and Technology Planning, Development, Management and Policy, especially with relevance to African and other developing countries.”
” The upgrading was also to enable the institute to collaborate with more National and International Organizations involved in Science Policy and Technology Management.
“A lot of effort was earlier made toward the achievement of the goal but it was stalled by some unforeseen circumstances. However, following the inauguration of the management Board on the 17, June 2021, the project is being revisited and I believe very so on the goal will be achieved.”
“It is important to acknowledge the dexterity displayed by the African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation(AISPI) to organise this conference. This feat is another display of doggedness, diligence, and excellence which characterize the Obafemi Awolowo University. In spite of the challenges, too many to mention, that are facing Universities in developing, focus and high level of commitment on the part staff and students, has been able to maintain its position as the leading University In many areas”.
The Obafemi Awolowo University(OAU) is a leading tertiary public institution established between 1961 and 1962 by the government of the then Western Region of Nigeria. Since its establishment, the University has produced, from among its staff, a Nobel Laureate and many other national and international Merit Award winners. OAU has pioneered kidney transplants in Nigeria and has produced much innovation that has been patented. Moreover, students of OAU have also excelled in national and international competitions.
“It is worthy of note that OAU is the seat of the African Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering and one of its divided is the building being used as a conference venue. Further, recently, OAU has emerged as the first University to generate its own electricity.”
In her speech at the programme, the Acting Director, AISPI, Dr. (Mrs) Titilayo Olaposi remarked that the African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation (AISPI) was established primarily as a research and teaching Institute.
According to her, “Our vision is to remain the leading Institute for training and research in Technology Policy Management in the region, while our mission is to address the challenges of sustainable development in African by intensifying capacity building and research in Technology Management through cross-disciplinary effort and in partnership with similar institution across the globe, pursue avenues for the commercialisation of academic research output.”
“The theme of this year’s conference was picked in the line with the objective of AISPI and it is very relevant to address the challenge of the present age. It is currently a known fact that Covid-19 has posed significant threats on economic development in all nations of the world. According to Ozili (2020), the pandemic has affected Nigeria as a nation significantly. Spillovers from the Covid-19 pandemic precipitated a decline in demand for oil products as well as constrained economic activities following the enforcement of the physical distancing policies.”
“We shall also be deliberating on the issues of inclusive development. This is also very important to rapid development in a developing country such as Nigeria. Although the concept of sustainable development has reached centre stage in international scholarly attention and the policy arena, the need for the participation, human rights and social demands of the most marginalised people and communities has led to the birth of the concept of Inclusive Development.”
Also, the Chairman, AISPI Professor Simeon Bamire said, AISPI has called us together to discuss how science, Technology and Innovation could be harnessed to facilitate inclusive development. This is quite in order when we consider the havoc that the pandemic had wreaked on the economy of nations globally and the developing countries more especially.
Moreover, it is in harmony with one of the objectives of the institute I.e to conduct research relevant to policy formulation for solving a variety of problems associated with the role of science,technology and innovation in the socio-economic development of Nigeria and the African region. This conference is providing the platform for knowledge sharing on diverse strategies for the deployment of science, technology and innovation to engender inclusive development.
The African Institute for Science policy and innovation is currently an autonomous Institute in the Obafemi Awolowo University. Its Management Board was inaugurated on the 17th June 2021 by the University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbidede. The Management Board which includes both internal and external members is responsible for formulating and implementing the policies of the Institute, supporting the Institute financially as needs arise and administering the fund of the institute.
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