By Chiekezie Emmanuel

No fewer than 13 students of the Department of Industrial Physics from ESUT recently attended the Annual Conference of the Nigeria Institute of Physics (NIP) in Rivers State.

The 46th Annual Conference was held at the Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt in May.

The 13 students which comprised 6 Postgraduate and 7 undergraduate students were sponsored by the departe for the two-day conference.

The Head of the Department, Dr Chima Iheanyichukwu said the department decided to sponsor the students to the conference in order to give them exposure as well as connect them to the players in Physics industry.

He noted that the NIP which is the umbrella body of Physicists in the country offers students and members the opportunity to interact, share ideas and network.

“The department decided to sponsor the students to the conference so that they can get exposure and also connect with members from other universities. The Conference brings both Professors, researchers and students together for cross-fertilization of ideas on how to make the Physics profession better and improve our society

“It offered the students apple opportunity to meet with the key players in the sector and also helped them to get connected so that as they grow in the sector, they will have people to interact, collaborate and partner with in their careers,” he said.

The Nigerian Institute of Physics held its 46th Annual Conference at the Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, with a strong call for deeper investment in physics education and research to drive Nigeria’s innovation and economic transformation.

Themed “Physics in the Quadruple Helix Model for Innovative Research and Economic Development,” the conference brought together leading academics, industry experts, policymakers, and civil society actors to explore the critical role of physics in national development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies Auditorium, the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, welcomed delegates and expressed gratitude to the Institute for choosing RSU as the host.

He reiterated the importance of physics as a cornerstone for national development and expressed hope that the outcomes of the conference would yield actionable insights.