A renowned Professor of Crop Production and Protection, Prof. Bamidele Fakorede has frowned at Government and other stakeholders failure in utilizing research outputs in the academia, that are geared towards national development, particularly in addressing the challenges of food insecurity in the country.
Prof. Fakorede who is the Keynote Speaker at the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), FUNAAB maiden Annual Conference lamented that it is disturbing that at a time when the nation is facing the problem of food insecurity and many Nigerians are poor and starving, a lot of research papers which addressed the challenges of food insecurity are recklessly lying fallow on various shelves in government establishments and Institutions of higher learning.
Prof. Fakorede noted with dismay government and other stakeholders apathy towards utilizing research efforts that would have contributed immensely to national development.
He therefore, called on government and stakeholders in general to as a matter of urgency tap into various research conducted by Scientists in the nation’s Ivory Towers, which are geared towards national development.
Prof. Fakorede however commended Researchers in Plant Science and Crop Production, especially in COLPLANT FUNAAB and others in various fields for conducting researches which addressed national challenges.
He enjoined them to do more in channeling their research efforts into production, in such a way that if government is not utilizing their efforts, their expertise will be able to impact the society in their own little way.
The Keynote Speaker who commended the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Development (DVCD), Prof Johnson Ariyo for doing a lot of research on okro enjoined researchers in other areas to channel their works towards production of food for the masses.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Babatunde Kehinde who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof Kola Adebayo described the First Annual Conference of (COLPLANT) as historical, being the first to be organized and hosted by the College in its history. Stating that the Conference is a welcome development, Prof. Adebayo charged the entire Staff of COLPLANT to sustain and improve on the Annual Conference such that the Conference will be making more impact in successive years ahead.
He commended the theme of the Conference which he described as apt because it focus on the prevailing challenges of food insecurity in the Country, adding that the efforts of the College is highly remarkable in solving national challenges.
The Chairman- Elect, of Committee of Dean’s and Directors (CODAD), Prof. Olusiji Sowande, Dean Postgraduate School, Prof Gboyega Adebayo, the Rector of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Prof. Johnson Adesodun, representatives of CRIN and NIHORT in their Goodwill Messages appreciated and commended the organisers, charging other Colleges to come up with innovative ideas that will move the University and the society forward.
