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.. Declares open the 4th Faculty of Natural Sciences Annual Conference
The Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, has reiterated the University’s commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation for Nigeria’s sustainable development.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Muhammad Salihu Niworu, stated this during the opening ceremony of the 4th Faculty of Natural Sciences Annual Conference (FONSAC 2025).
With the theme “Advancing Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” the Vice-Chancellor described the conference as timely, noting that Nigeria’s future prosperity depends on embracing technology-driven growth and innovation-based solutions.
Professor Sulaiman acknowledged the continuous support of the Visitor to the University and Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, for prioritising education and providing the enabling environment for academic excellence in the state.
He commended the Faculty of Natural Sciences for consistently promoting research that addresses real-world challenges in Health, Agriculture, Energy, Environment and Technology, encouraging participants to collaborate and translate knowledge into national development outcomes.
Declaring the conference open, he urged participants to engage in fruitful deliberations that will reshape Nigeria’s scientific future.
Delivering the Keynote Address, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’adu Ahmed represented by the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Federal University of Technology, Minna, Professor Oluwole Omorenikeji congratulated IBBUL for its infrastructural transformation, including the new Paiko-Lapai road and iconic Senate Building, describing them as symbols of “renewed hope and institutional rebirth.”
She highlighted the Federal Government’s recent approval of forward-looking programmes such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Biotechnology, and Renewable Energy, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, targeted at building a knowledge-driven economy.
According to her, Nigeria’s development will no longer rely on oil but on science, innovation and an empowered youthful population, calling on researchers to patent inventions and leverage TETFund opportunities for commercialization.
The Registrar, Alhaji Idris Sale Kusherki, represented by the Deputy Registrar, Council and Management Affairs, Hajiya Amina Ndayako, delivered a goodwill message encouraging participants to apply scientific knowledge in addressing societal needs.
He highlighted what he called the 5Cs of Sustainable Development, Cleanliness, Community, Culture, Care and Corporate Governance, describing them as a practical roadmap for research and policy interventions.
Alhaji Kusherki said adopting the principles would support Nigeria’s transition towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the nation moves towards 2030 and beyond.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Professor Musa Mohammed, expressed delight over the rising research interests in FONSAC since inception.
He thanked the University Management for the unwavering support and urged participants to use the platform to strengthen knowledge exchange and collaborations for national advancement.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Central Organizing Committee, Professor Yahaya Aliyu Badeggi appreciated the overwhelming response from scholars and assured that selected papers will be published.