The Nanotechnology Research Group (NANO+) of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria has slated November 22-25, 2022 for her 6th International Conference on Nanotechnology.
The conference themed ‘Nanotechnology for Socio-economic Development of Africa’ is being organized in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Abuja.
In a joint release by the Head of LAUTECH Nanotechnology Research Group, Prof. Agbaje Lateef, and the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Halilu A. Shaba, the conference will be hosted by NASRDA at its facility in Lugbe, Abuja. The conference will discuss the exploitation of nanotechnology for the growth and development of African nations in general, but Nigeria in particular.
The conference which will be chaired by the acting Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH, Prof. Mojeed O. Liasu will be declared open by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Senator Adeleke Mamora, while the keynote address will be delivered by Prof. Muhammed S. Haruna, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
The lead paper will be delivered by a foremost Nigerian inventor, Distinguished Prof. Omowunmi Sadik of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA.
It will be recalled that the LAUTECH Nanotechnology Research Group has consistently pursued nanotechnology R&D in Nigeria with vigour. It continues to raise the profile of Nigeria among the comity of nations in publishing sound research outcomes on nanotechnology, training of manpower, and engagement of the Nigerian populace to deepen nanotechnology discourse for growth and development.
It has also established a flourishing specialized journal on nanotechnology, “Nano Plus: Science and Technology of Nanomaterials” with a commendable web presence.
Most recently at the 14th combined convocation of LAUTECH held in April 2022, the research group was commended by the University for its resilience, pursuance of research, and publications of top-rated articles that contributed immensely to the rating of the University as the best state University in Nigeria by NUC and other international agencies.
Among other scholars, two members of the group, Prof. Agbaje Lateef, and Prof. Musibau A. Azeez also received the Vice-Chancellor’s commendation award as outstanding scholars of the University at the convocation ceremony.
Speaking further, Prof. Lateef appreciates members of his multidisciplinary research group for their consistent dedication to the goals of the group, noting that the collaboration with NASRDA is a further testimony to the leadership of the group in nanotechnology R&D in Nigeria.
He canvassed for the establishment of a center of excellence in nanotechnology at LAUTECH to further promote the research objectives of the group for national development.
He opined that it is high time for Nigeria to finalize a policy on nanotechnology for the country to reap its bountiful fruits for national development through a dedicated agency.
Lateef remarked that his group has developed a number of nano-based solutions for applications in healthcare, environment, renewable energy, agriculture, consumer products, and water treatment among others.