Lecturers and other stakeholders in academia have been urged to prioritize high-quality research that will drive efficiency and enhance the economic growth of the nation.

The Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Uchenna Ugwuanyi, made this known on Thursday during the second edition of the International Conference organized by the Faculty; an event that was held at the Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Auditorium, ESUT, Agbani.

He stated that collaborations between academia, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and other key development stakeholders would not only enhance economic growth but also promote social development.

According to him, “This conference is timely. As Africa navigates its development trajectory, we must harness management knowledge, innovation, and research to provide workable solutions to our challenges. When academic minds engage with industry players, the result is progressive, people-centered development.”

“This year’s conference theme, ‘Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Management Strategies and Practices for Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship,’ is particularly relevant. The choice of this theme is driven by the urgent need for sustainable development in Africa, where management strategies and practices can play a crucial role in achieving the SDGs.”

Prof. Ugwuanyi also urged for maximum utilization of ideas harnessed during the conference for the good of the society.

“We expect that the discussions and recommendations emerging from this conference will provide valuable insights into how organizations can adopt sustainable practices, prioritize corporate social responsibility, and promote environmental sustainability, ultimately contributing to the betterment of society. The significance of this conference and its theme cannot be overstated, particularly for Nigerian universities, students, states, industries, and Africa at large.”

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Aloysius Michaels Okolie, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Chike Nwoha, extolled Prof. Ugwuanyi’s leadership of the Faculty, particularly his commitment to academic excellence, capacity building, infrastructural development, and staff welfare.

He stated that the conference would not only contribute to existing scholarship but also proffer viable solutions to critical issues surrounding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.

“I want to say that we are happy with what our friend and colleague is currently doing in the Faculty of Management Sciences. He has shown leadership both in action and learning, and the management is happy with him. However, the relevance of this conference lies not only in the depth of discourse but in its alignment with the global call for sustainability. We must continue to interrogate our realities and deploy strategic management practices to transform communities across the continent.”

Also speaking, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, described the conference as a noble academic exercise capable of igniting institutional and policy reform, especially when the insights and research findings are properly harnessed.

According to him, “Government at all levels must strengthen their relationship with academic institutions. The solutions to many of our economic and social problems already exist in the volumes of research produced in our universities.”

However, the event featured paper presentations from renowned scholars, interactive sessions, and panel discussions centered on themes such as innovation in public sector management, entrepreneurship development, and policy implementation for sustainable growth, with participants from various institutions and industries given the opportunity to explore ways to bridge the gap between research and policy formulation.

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A two-day International Conference on “Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Management Strategies and Practices for Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental Sustainability and Entrepreneurship has ended in Enugu with a call for collaboration among stakeholders to address peculiar challenges facing Africa.

The conference was organized by the faculty of Management Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, and held at the Peter Mbah auditorium, ESUT, Agbani.

Declaring the conference open, ESUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Aloysius Okolie, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Chike Nwoha said the conference is the first of its kind in the history of the institution.
While describing the theme of the conference as apt, Professor Okolie said the conference will further add to the body of existing knowledge.

In an opening remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Uche Ugwuanyi said the conference offers a unique opportunity for university lecturers to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in Management Sciences, enhance their research capability and network with their counterparts.

Professor Ugwuanyi expressed the hope that discussions and recommendations from the conference will provide valuable insights into how organizations can adopt sustainable practices, prioritize corporate social responsibility as well as promote environmental sustainability.

Earlier in an address of welcome, the Chairman Local Organizing Committee, Professor Norbert Ile said the conference offers a veritable platform for cross fertilization of knowledge, networking for policy makers and researchers.

He said the conference will build consensus on important issues which would enhance skills,knowledge expansion, policy development, capacity building and encourage action on global challenges and opportunities.

In a paper presentation on the topic achieving sustainable development goals in Africa: Lessons learned from disruptive strategies and practices of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Anambra State, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Kate Omenugha, said the SDGs represent a global framework for tackling some of the most pressing challenges, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, among others.
Professor Omenugha noted that with five years to the target date being 2030, Africa is far from meeting the set goals.

According to her, lack of intentionality in addressing the 17 goals of the SDGs and wondered why higher education institutions which should be the drivers of the SDGs appear to be lackadaisical.

The speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Rite Honourable Uche Ugwu believes that Africa can look inwards and find solutions to its peculiar challenges.

Other speakers at the International Conference are Dr Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr Friday Akpan, Director General, Nigeria College of Accountancy and Professor Ambrose Anoruo from Texas, A&M University USA, among others.

The conference, which attracted participants from the academia, government officials as well as industry experts, is designed to serve as a platform for exchange of ideas on management strategies and practices for sustainable development.

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