Monday 26th July, 2021: The Provost, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, (FCAH&PT), Dr. Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo, has declared that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is the key to National development.

The provost made this declaration in his opening remarks at the 2^nd Annual Conference and Call for Paper, which took place yesterday at Dr. K.J. Nwufoh Hall, in the institution premises.

The theme of the conference is “Technology and Innovation: Panacea for Nigeria’s Growth and Development in the Post Pandemic Era.”

According to the provost, Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is the only mechanism that can pave way for Nigeria’s growth and development at all levels.

Owosibo urged the Nigerian government to disburse more funds for the research institutes nationwide which will aid effective and efficient output.

In an Exclusive Interview with CEOAFRICA, Dr. Owosibo, who spoke on what the conference entails disclosed that the conference is to showcase the little the institution is doing in terms of research and training.

He stated that the conference will afford researchers the opportunity both in Nigeria and abroad to rub minds on every area of science not limited to agriculture,

In his word “The conference is to showcase the little we are doing in terms of research and training in the college, as we are collaborating with other agencies; research institutes both local and international.”

“This programme will afford researchers the opportunity both in Nigeria and abroad to rub minds on every area of science not limited to agriculture, as it affects the growth of economy in Nigeria especially in this post-pandemic era as COVID-19 has changed a lot of things in the country.

“We also want to see how we can take advantage of technology in this era. That is the essence of the conference”.

Speaking further, the provost urged the government not to relent its effort on diversification of economy towards Agriculture.

“I will urge the Nigeria government not to relent its effort on diversification of economy. As we are having a lot of breakthroughs in the area of agriculture and we are following the mandate given to us by the government to make sure that we have food security in the country”.

“By that, we are moving on and showcasing ways the farmers can adapt to new innovation as there are areas of technology, innovation breakthroughs that we have in this college, like electro-ejaculator, biogas and many more that we have been showcasing in science and technology exhibitions all over the country”, he said.

Dr. Owosibo added that as the world is now turning to a global village, Science, Technology, and Innovation is required in the country so as to reshuffle the direction of Nigeria’s economy in digression from crude oil.

He noted that the college is working in partnership with its supervisory to contribute to the diversification of the Nigerian economy through training and empowerment in agribusiness, animal care, production and health, food security and massive production.

He assured that the college is prepared to collaborate with the state, private sector, government agencies and investors to improve agricultural practices, boost food production and yield a robust macro economy.