Recently at the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, experts converged to assess Association of Management and Social Sciences Researchers of Nigeria, (AMSSRN’s) significant progress in facilitating sustainable economic development across the continent.

The gathering was the fourth edition of the researchers’ two-day International Conference held inside the main Auditorium of the IMSU in September in juxtaposition with AMSSRN’s vision of becoming a world- class innovation body that will continue to stimulate, galvanize and co-ordinate researches among management and social scientists, so as to support sustainable socio-economic development in Nigeria and beyond.

The 4th International Conference held from 3rd – 4th of September, 2025 with the theme “Integrating Digital Innovations for Research & Development: Issues, Challenges and Strategies” was organized to bring the vision of the association to bear within Imo State through Imo State University, Owerri.

It was graced by hundreds of participants who attended physically while others who from within and outside Nigeria joined virtually. Some of the key participants included the Vice-Chancellor of IMSU, Professor Uchefula Ugonna Chukwumaeze, SAN; AMSSRN National President, Professor Uche Lucy Onyekwelu, PhD; other National Executives: Professor Israel Omesi (Chairman, AMSSRN Port Harcourt & District Society), Dr. Ada-Mac Ozigbo, Dr. Godwin Akparhuere, Dr. .Lawrence U. Okoye. Others were Professor Luke Chukwu; the Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council represented by the Coordinating Director, Inspections, Monitoring and Corporate Governance Directorates, Dr. Titus Osawe; the Former Coordinating Director of International Financial Reporting Standards and Sustainability Reporting; the Keynote Speakers (Industry) and from the Academia, Mr. Justice Okoye – the Executive Chairman, Imo State Internal Revenue Service, as well as Professor Bibiana Njogo, member Governing Council of Bells University Ota, Ogun State along with recipients of the Association’s Distinguished Personality Awards and other Academics and Scholars from within the Higher Institutions and Industries in Nigeria and Post-Graduate and Undergraduate students all brainstormed on the relevance of research in modern day governance as a fulcrum in achieving socioeconomic rebirth.

Six Guest Lecturers including Justice Okoye, FCA, FCTI (Industry), Executive Chairman, Imo State Internal Revenue Service; Prof. Bibiana Oluchukwu Njogo; Prof. Ngozi Gertrude Iheduru (Lead Paper Presenter, Dean Faculty of Management Sciences IMSU); Dr. Iheanyi Anyahara, FCA (Former Coordinating Director of International Financial Reporting Standards and Sustainability Reporting of Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria;  Dr. Ada–Mac Ozigbo (Director of Common Wealth Executive Masters Programme, National Open University of Nigeria) and Dr. Gideon Ezu (Deputy Dean, UNIZIK Business School) featured in the conference

At the end of the Conference, the experts highlighted inter alia, the urgent need to integrate digital technologies into research and development (R&D) as a driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and sustainable growth and progress and advised that the transformative role of technological tools such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, and Internet of Things (IoT) in enabling faster discoveries, evidence-based policymaking, and enhanced collaboration cannot be downplayed.

They emphasised accountability as a vehicle to drive good governance both in the academic and industry by strengthening the anti-corruption agencies and institutions in Nigeria.

While acknowledging challenges such as fragmented systems, cyber security risks, skill gaps, weak infrastructure, and financial constraints, experts at the MASSRN’s 4th International Conference called for adoption strategies such as the adoption of a clear digital roadmap, investment in human capital, stronger data governance, public-private partnerships, and embedding digital tools in governance and service delivery that must be embraced.

A future where Imo State and Nigeria as a whole harness digital innovation for transparent, inclusive, and efficient systems that directly improve governance and socio-economic development should be envisioned.

They urged researchers and indeed all stakeholders to embrace digital integration not as a luxury, but as a necessity for long-term productivity and prosperity.

Established in 2020, the Association of Management and Social Sciences Researchers of Nigeria (AMSSRN) is a research-driven association borne out of the vision to build a collaborative approach between the academia and industry towards providing solutions to the gross socio-economic challenges bedevilling Nigeria in particular and the African continent in general.

Thus, AMSSRN pursues the vision of becoming a world- class innovation body that will continue to stimulate, galvanize and co-ordinate researches among management and social scientists, so as to support sustainable socio-economic development in Nigeria and beyond. Consequently, the association is given to continuously organizing well-coordinated programmes aimed at enhancing goal-driven research among academia and industry, one of which is the 4th international conference.

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Nigeria governments at all levels and management of tertiary institutions have been urged to make sponsorship of research a priority for effective national development.

Dr Gideon Ezu made the call at the Imo State University on Thursday while delivering a lecture at the 4th International Conference of the Association of Management and Social Sciences Researchers of Nigerian AMSSRN)  

 Dr Ezu charged governments at all levels to make research sponsorship part of their key mandate in order to develop the nation’s academic institutions regarded as hubs for National development.

Dr Ezu who is the Deputy Director, Nnamdi Azikiwe Business School, Awka, also charged members of AMSSRN and research institutions in the country to leverage on the technological innovations to promote their research outputs.

Speaking on the topic, “Issues Involved In Application Of Digital Technology In Research: Nigeria Experience Strategies” he noted that “To foster and facilitate innovation in research, Educational Institutions and Research Institutes must invest heavily in digital technologies (DTs), which most studies have considered to encompass a wide range of information and communication technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, digital platforms, cloud computing, 3D printing, blockchain technology, etc.

“Government at all levels should prioritize sponsoring research to promote national development. This is because no government makes meaningful progress without research. It is therefore imperative that government and management of our tertiary institutions should make research sponsorship part of their key mandate.

“When you go to the European academic institutions, research is sponsored by the government or its agency vested with the mandate because they believe that the product of any research is to enhance national growth. Our leaders need to imbibe this virtue.

“I also urge all of you gathered here for this conference, as a researcher, you should create integrative digital solutions that can connect with other digital systems, develop user-friendly digital systems. Artificial Intelligence is the driver of digital research and AMSSRN should be the pioneers in this regard,” he said.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Dr Leonard Amaefule, thanked the IMSU Vice-Chancellor for his support and appreciated participants who turned up for the conference.

“On behalf of the LOC members and the AMSSRN Executive, I want to express our gratitude to the management of Imo State University under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Uchefula Ugonna Chukwumaeze (SAN) for his immense support and the AMSSRN leadership championed by indefatigable Professor Lucy Uche Onyekwelu for their inspiration.

“To all the participants and paper presenters, there is no doubt that the conference was knowledge enriching. The two days we spent in IMSU, were productive and we believe that the outcome of the conference will spur us to achieve more through research,” he stated.

In his Keynote Address, the Executive Chairman, Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) Justice Okoye underscored the urgent need to integrate digital technologies into research and development (R&D) as a driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

While acknowledging challenges such as fragmented systems, cybersecurity risks, skill gaps, weak infrastructure, and financial constraints, Justice Okoye also outlined strategies including the adoption of a clear digital roadmap, investment in human capital, stronger data governance, public-private partnerships, and embedding digital tools in governance and service delivery.

The 2025 International Conference had as Keynote Speakers, Justice Okoye, Executive Chairman, Imo State Internal Revenue Service and Professor Bibian Oluchukwu  Njogo, Professor of Corporate Finance/Development Finance, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State.  

The two-day International Conference held between September 3 and 4 also featured Induction of new members as well as award presentation to distinguished Nigerians who have impacted humanity in their various endeavours.

The Lead Paper presenter and Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, IMSU, Prof Ngozi Iheduru highlighted challenges researchers adopting technological innovations in research could face to include: Lack of funds to acquire necessary digital equipment. Inadequate internet connectivity and dearth of essential equipment in universities. Unreliable power supply which prevents the consistent use of digital tools, insufficient training and lack of clear ethical guidelines for data privacy and avoiding biases.

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In its desire to continue to add more value to the society, expand knowledge and its membership, the Association of Management and Social Sciences Researchers of Nigeria (AMSSRN) will in September hold its 4th International Conference at the Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri.

Scheduled to hold at the IMSU Auditorium, the two-day Conference will also feature Induction of new members as well as award presentation to distinguished Nigerians who have impacted humanity in their various endeavours. Participation in the conference will be physical and virtual with international collaborators featuring.

The 4th International Conference of AMSSRN will play host to researchers and participants from the academia, industry, governmental ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria. The conference is expected to provide a fertile ground for intellectual cross-breeding and enable strategic collaborations among stakeholders and participants.

Since its inception five years ago, AMSSRN have held Conferences, Public lecture, Seminars and Workshops among others to bridge the gap between the academia (gown) and industry (town) in pursuit of sustainable socio-economic development through Research.

The 2025 International Conference will have as the Keynote Speakers, Justice Okoye, FCA, FCTI, Executive Chairman, Imo State Internal Revenue Service and Professor Bibian Oluchukwu Njogo, PhD, FAMSSRN, Professor of Corporate Finance/ Development Finance, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State.

Anchored on the theme “Integrating Digital Innovation for Research and Development: Issues, Challenges and Strategies”, the Conference will hold between Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4 September, 2025 commencing from 11am each day.

The Registrar of the association, Dr. Aondokaar Kwaghfan is the Chairman Conference Committee, while Dr. Leonard Amaefule is the chairman, Local Organising Committee, LOC

Speaking in an interview, the National President, AMSSRN, Professor Lucy Onyekwelu said the three-in-one event is aimed at adding greater value to the society stressing that while the Conference aims at bringing the industry players and the academia in a table to converse and proffer solutions to social problems affecting the society, The Induction ceremony will usher in new members in the body.

Professor Onyekwelu who was the immediate past Chairman of ICAN Agbani & District Society added that the Award ceremony is part of AMSSRN’s events to honour those who have sacrificed in building a better viable society. She appreciated the IMSU Vice-Chancellor and the Management for their support

“We are organising a two-day International Conference that will also feature induction of new members into the body as well as award presentation to distinguished individuals who have sacrificed a lot in shaping humanity through research and innovations.

“On the induction, we have scholars that will be inducted into Fellowship, Full Membership and Associate Membership categories.
“As for the Merit Award, we have pencilled down notable Academic juggernauts, people who have made mark in research and human capital development, captains of industries cum professionals, policy makers, philanthropist of diverse nature both in Nigeria and diaspora will be accorded different recognitions by the Association.

“Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate the IMSU Vice-Chancellor and his Management for their support. Their approval for us to use the Main Auditorium is deeply appreciated and we look forward to having our guests and participants in Owerri next week,” she said.

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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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The Faculty of Management Sciences FMS, ESUT is poised to host its second International Conference  beginning on Thursday through Friday this week.

The Conference which aims to bring scholars from across the globe under one roof to dissect emerging issues and remodel humanity, will hold at the prestigious Peter Ndubuisi Mbah  Auditorium in ESUT, Agbani commencing from 10am.

Themed: “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa: Management Strategies and Practices for Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship.” the 2025 International Conference is  expected to bring scholars, corporate leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts from across Africa and beyond together to chart new path for humanity

According to the Secretary, Local Organising Committee LOC, Dr Andrew Apeh, the conference is designed to foster cutting-edge discussions on how Africa can leverage management innovation, ethical business practices, and entrepreneurial solutions to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

“The key focus of this International Conference is to design – strategies for sustainable economic growth in Africa , corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical governance, Green business models and environmental sustainability and Entrepreneurship as a driver of development,” he said

He identified those to attend the Conference to include “academics and researchers, business leaders and industry experts, government and policymakers as well as students and young entrepreneurs 

“Therefore, Professor Uche Ugwuanyi, Dean Faculty of Management Sciences, ESUT, officially invites all stakeholders to this knowledge-packed event, which promises to equip attendees with modern management trends and global best practices,” he said.

The first edition of the Faculty of Management Sciences International Conference was held in September 2023.

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By Chiekezie Emmanuel

Agbani – The Department of Quantity Surveying ESUT has inaugurated committee members for its first international conference.

The inauguration which took place on Tuesday at the departmental board room had professors, Directors and lecturers in attendance, including Prof. Nzeribe Harmony, Director of Research and Innovation (ESUT), Prof. Emenike Agosta, former Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Science, and Dr. Ajaelu Chidiebere, Head of the Department of Quantity Surveying, among others with Dr. Onyia Chukwuebuka to chair the team while Dr. Chukwuenye Agatha will serve as the Secretary.

The head of the department, Dr. Henry Ajaelu who read out the names of the committee members congratulated them

The members of the committee include:

-Dr. Onyia Chukwuebuka – (Chairman)

-Prof. Francis Iloeje – Member

-Prof. Augusta Emenike – Member

-Prof. Harmony Nwaobodo – Member

-Dr. Okereke Joy – Member

-Dr. Okeke Francisca – Member

-Dr. Oluchukwu Nwonovo – Member

-Dr. Andrew Apeh – Member

-Dr. Chiebozie Nwafor – Member

-Dr. Joseph Nwatu – Member

-Dr. Uche Iheanyi – Member

-Mrs. Ozougwu Loveth – Member

-Mr. Ngene Ebenezer – Member

-Mr. David Chikeleze – Member

-Mr. Asogwa Chikere – Member

-Mrs. Amarachi Ogbodo – Member

-Dr. Chukwuenye Agatha – (Secretary)

Dr. Ajaelu emphasized that the selected individuals are worthy and capable of forming a strong team to achieve a successful international conference in the Department and Enugu State University of Science and Technology. “The challenge is not about their capability but rather the need to accommodate them within their busy schedules due to their capacity,” he noted

He added that the essence of the conferences is to bring together intellectuals, people from academia or industry, to outline challenges facing the profession or the industry at large. “At the end of every conference, solutions are made. That’s why we are trying to raise a communiqué that will address prominent issues within the construction industry that quantity surveyors need to resolve. That is why the conference is tagged ‘The Quantity Surveyors Edge’ to inform the people of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, and the entire world about the importance of quantity surveying in society.”

The chairman of the committee, Dr. Onyia, explained that he will do his utmost to ensure that the conference exceeds expectations. He pledged to work with other committee members to achieve a successful international conference.

Prof. Nzeribe Nnenna Harmony, Director of Research and Innovation, who is also a committee member, expressed happiness that the conference will showcase what the department is doing, especially in highlighting the importance of quantity surveyors in any project. She noted, “At times, people tend to neglect quantity surveying, not realizing that it is essential for any project. When you don’t plan well with the quantity of materials needed to execute any budget, that project is bound to have risks, as all necessary factors need to be considered in the planning and implementation of that project. This is why there was a need for this conference to be held.

“One thing is to be informed. I believe information is very important. Problems that already exist are because people are not aware of what is happening. Some of the existing problems can be addressed through awareness of the fundamental issues causing them. I believe that within this conference, those problems will be tackled, and solutions will be articulated. Having identified these problems, I believe they can be solved.”

“I am sure that in this conference, innovative ideas will emerge that will help in solving some of the environmental issues that face our society today,” she concluded.

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Abuja – The Member Representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu has reinstated his commitment in promoting scholarship in Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) even as he disclosed his intention to attend and support the 2^nd edition of Faculty of Management Sciences’ International Conference.

Hon Atu made this known Tuesday when the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences ESUT, Prof Uche Ugwuanyi and members of ESUT FMS 2025 International Conference Committee visited him at the National Assembly.

Atu, who is an alumnus of ESUT, explained the need for political office holders from Enugu State and alumni of the University to collaborate with the University in the area of promoting scholarship and mentorship among students and young academics.  

He added that “as political leaders and products of this prestigious University, we must initiate and sustain healthy interaction with the Institution and see areas where we could provide some assistance. I am a proud product of ESUT and I am ever willing to associate with the University.”

Speaking on the reason for their visit, Prof. Uche Ugwuanyi accompanied by Dr. Andrew Apeh, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze and Dr. Felix Ugwu, said they came to invite Hon Atu and other Federal Lawmakers from Enugu State to the 2025 Faculty of Management Science International Conference and seek interventions in other areas.

Prof Ugwuanyi reiterated his Faculty’s commitment in promoting interaction between university community and the outside world. He appealed to the lawmaker to attend the conference and help the Faculty in achieving some of its laudable dreams. “We have followed your impressive activities since 2023, and I can say you have done well. As the product of University, we are proud to associate with you and the Faculty wants you to attend this conference as a special guest.”

Earlier, Dr. Apeh explained that the conference would hold in June 2025 and Hon Atu has been nominated by the Faculty Board of Studies for special recognition. Apeh said the award would be a recognition of Atu’s unwavering partnership with the University within the last 17 months.

Responding to the invitation, Hon Chimaobi Atu assured the Dean and his team that he would attend the conference and provided needed support.

It could be recalled that the first edition of the Faculty of Management Sciences’ International Conference held between 27^th and 29^th September, 2023. The second edition is expected to hold in June this year.

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By Timothy Nwobodo

Enugu – Nigeria’s first state university of Science and Technology, the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, has produced the FIRST FEMALE Professor in Computer Engineering in Enugu State.

Prof Nnenna Harmony Nwobodo-Nzeribe achieved this feat in August this year after she was elevated to the rank of a professor by the University management in the latest promotion exercise.

Professor Nwobodo-Nzeribe has distinguished herself in several capcities including serving her second term position as the Head of Department Computer Engineering between 2021 and 2023. She served in the same position in 2018/2020.

She was former Deputy Director in charge of skills in the Entrepreneurship Development Centre from 2017 to 2020. Currently appointed as Director Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence and by her elevation becomes the second Professor in the department, hence breaking the record as the first female Professor of Computer Engineering in Enugu State.

Investigation is ongoing to ascertain if she is also the first female Computer Engineering Professor in Nigeria.
An erudtie pedagogist with astonishing certificates, Prof Nnenna Harmony Nwobodo-Nzeribe, possesses B.Eng (Electrical/Electronic Engineering) M.Eng and Ph.D. (Electrical/Electronic/Computer Engineering) from ESUT, Enugu State and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, respectively.
She also obtained MPhil in Medical Technology from Anglia Ruskin University Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom.

This led into her coordinating Biomedical Engineering Technology in the university, which is also gaining its ground.
She is a member of national and international processional bodies in her filed; Prof Nwobodo-Nzeribe is the current chairman, Association of Professional of Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Enugu Chapter; pioneered and founded Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, (OWSD) ESUT Chapter in year 2021. She is a Fellow/member of Association of Biomedical Engineers and Technologists of Nigeria; member of Nigeria Society of Engineers; member Council of Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria; member Society of Women Engineer (SWE); USA, member International Association of Engineers; member Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineering; member Nigeria Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (NIEEE), Enugu chapter, and member Nigeria Women in Information Technology, Enugu Chapter.

She has presented papers in many conferences and has some journal papers and five textbooks published to her credit. During her time as head of the department of Computer Engineering, she organised an international conference/Alumni Home Coming of the department from June 26th to 28th, 2024, which was the first of its kind since 39 years of the department’s existence.
as a mentor, she has also supervised many Graduate and postgraduate students

Prof Nwobodo-Nzeribe is married with children.

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The Department of Computer Engineering set the pace, recently, when they became the first department to organize an International Conference under the new management in the university.

The two-day event which also had alumni homecoming as part of the conference, was held on 26th and 28th June, 2024.

In this exclusive interview with the Head of Computer Department, Dr Harmony Nzeribe, he shared her thoughts with our team of reporters on why the department organized the conference/homecoming which she said was the first of its kind in the history of the department.

Excerpts

Tell us about the conference, ma.

The conference held between 26th and 28th of June, 2024 with the theme “Digital Innovation and Disruptive Technology: Towards Achieving a Digital Nation.” The aim was to make people aware of emerging technologies like the AI, (Artificial Intelligence) cyber security, cryptocurrency, among others. To expose them to all these emerging technologies and try to know how they can explore and use them to ideate and also use them to solve societal and economic problems.

We combined it with alumni homecoming, because since 39 years of existence of this department in 1985, we have not had it.
The conference provided us an opportunity to also bring together these alumni. It’s the first of its kind since this department started and I am happy that the LOC (Local Organising Committee) members packaged the conference very well, it was everywhere. Because of the way we broadcast and announced it, it now became an eye-opener to other department. We set the pace for them. Computer Engineering is the stakeholder when it comes to departmental conference and I give God the glory.

What are the take home?

A lot of take homes because the foundation has been laid concerning the department because we believe that this need to be sustained as technology evolves, it is trending, there maybe other technologies that will emerge, we need to delve into it and also make the public and our students to be aware of it. Conference is all about exchanging ideas and networking with other surroundings.

I believe that conference is a time to learn because there may be things that you may know before now, if you should keep holding onto them without improving on them, you may be obsolete because technology keeps evolving. When you come to conference, new ideas, new technologies are being discussed. From there you begin to upscale those ones that you already know. Learn another one and keep relearning.

Another take home is the alumni get-together, those people that graduated from the department for the past 39 years, coming out to the institution and the younger ones seeing them and now they have that mindset and are relaxed that after graduating from ESUT, they can become somebody, achieve and live their dreams. And come back to the institution, to bring back that which has been impacted in you to come back to give back to Alma mater that trained you.

Alumni Promises

The alumni showed up in numbers, the turnout was huge and we are elated. They made promises, some promised to get laptops for the students, some want to come and see the facilities we have and they will now know what to bring in. There are others who talked about the fact that the department don’t have an active internet network and promised to do something about it. Others said that we should just tell them our needs and they will support.

The fact is that we need alumni support, in most departments and universities, alumni are the strong pillars of support and we are happy we had the homecoming.

The alumni also promised to sustain the meeting which we initiated because as I said earlier, it was their first meeting since graduation. They believe that this conference is like Alumni get-together, a seed that has planted, it has to grow until it becomes a forest which cannot be pull-down.

Another thing the alumni promised is that they say that they don’t just want to do any project, that they want to go and think and come back to do a long lasting project so that anytime it is seen, it will be known that the alumni has come back to give to the department. One of the alumni Engr. Charles Nnaji promised to host a website for the department.

What are the challenges for organizing the conference?

There are a lot of challenges. The economic situation in Nigeria now, the finance was not easy to come by. When a new vision and a new idea comes, trying to get people to agree with you to key into, s also another problem. But when you know the vision which God has given you to rebuild the department, which is getting Computer Engineering moving, you have to remain focused until you get that idea come to pass.

The organization of the conference, was not easy, we had a lot of struggles on the way but why it became a success is because of the fact that it was the first. We worked with one mind. So challenges were there particularly finance but my team worked assiduously and we overcame them.

Everybody, both the members of the committee and staff of the department worked together, we had the same focus, the same mindset to figure the first successful Computer Engineering conference.

Is this conference going to be sustained?

That is why I said that the take home is sustainability, it is going to be an annual event. The foundation has been laid so we believe that as time goes on, like I said, new technology comes, we organize this conference to make people be aware of it. Let the students, the people outside there talk know and talk about it, everybody networking and we collaborate and also learn.

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