UK body, NOUN hold conference to drive devt, growth in Nigeria, Africa

The Centre for Research, Innovation, Development, and Entrepreneurship (CRIDE), United Kingdom (UK), in collaboration with the Department of Economics at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Philomath University, Abuja, has organised the 1st CRIDE International Conference 2024 (CIC2024).

This conference focuses on environmental protection and enhancement, social progress, sustainable development, and economic development for Nigeria and other African countries.

Tribune Online reports that CRIDE is mandated to extend research visibility and collaborate with like-minded researchers, professionals, engineers, scientists, and young scholars from around the world who are passionate about using their skills and expertise to find solutions to various problems affecting their immediate environments, both in England and globally.

Speaking at the conference themed “Sustainable Development: Leaving No One Behind,” which was held at the NOUN headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja, the convener, Professor Ganiyat Adesina-Uthman, stated that the event was organised to identify indigent but talented young technopreneurs and provide them with the necessary support to achieve their goals in their fields of endeavor.

According to Adesina-Uthman, who is a visiting professor to CRIDE, UK, Nigeria and Africa have lagged behind in many human development indices.

However, she expressed optimism that the conference will chart a new course, bringing a paradigm shift in how sustainable development can contribute to national development in African countries, especially Nigeria.

“The world is full of great opportunities but also challenges. CRIDE aims to identify these opportunities innovatively, with a focus on research and entrepreneurial activities.

We are collaborating with researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and young technopreneurs. These technopreneurs are young individuals making remarkable strides in the field of innovation.

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“Recently, CRIDE awarded a scholarship to a Nigerian boy featured in a BBC Yoruba documentary as a promising technopreneur while still at Government Technical College.

Qoyyum Ayomide Adewole is now studying Metallurgical Engineering at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. We seek to identify such promising technopreneurs and assist them, especially those in need of financial support.

“This conference is about making an impact and has brought together intellectuals, bureaucrats, top industry players, including ministries and parastatals, to deliberate on advancing our nation, the African continent, and the world towards achieving sustainable development.

Nigeria has made moderate progress in only four of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and remains stagnant in 12, indicating that we are falling behind.

“So, how can we, as a nation and as an African continent facing such challenges, ensure we are not left behind in every sector health, economy, politics, environment, and particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and how can we use AI to solve our problems in Africa? We have already fallen behind, but how can we harness our human and capital resources, both in Nigeria and other African countries? We must come together to ensure that the continent progresses and that everyone participates in the development process,” Professor Adesina-Uthman told Tribune Online.

Dr. Kayode Adenuga, Director/CEO of CRIDE UK, emphasized that the conference is not only an opportunity to present and discuss research but also a platform to build networks, inspire creativity, and foster partnerships that transcend borders.

He stated, “The intersection of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.”