Akwapoly ASUP 2nd International Conference: Chairman advocates periodic conference to stimulate innovation, scientific breakthroughs
The Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, Comrade Eteyen Uko has advocated for periodic conferences and workshops for academic staff
The Chairman noted that the workshop will serve as a means of stimulating innovations and discoveries through education and scientific researches.
Comrade Uko who stated this while delivering his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the Polytechnic’s 2nd International Conference with the theme, “Re-Engineering Nations’ Systems for Sustainable Development”, noted that the Polytechnic’s first ASUP National Conference in Akwapoly was held in April 2009 with the theme: “The Relevance of the Polytechnic System in Meeting the Challenges of the 7 point Agenda”, expressing delight that 13 years after and in line with his campaign promise, himself and his Exco have worked hard to ensure the delivery of one of his campaign promise which has been fulfilled with the hosting of the 2nd ASUP International Conference.
“Let me acknowledge everyone who worked for this project to get it completed. I appreciate the Chief Host of this Conference, Dr. Moses Umobong, who has shown us more than enough commitment. Permit me to equally acknowledge the Polytechnic Management, members of Academic Board and all Academic Staff for their support and believe in this current ASUP Exco”, he stated.
He urged participants to take the conference serious as the theme of the conference is apt considering the spill over effect of Covid-19 pandemic.
Hear him, “Our systems, individual and collective, have been challenged by the pandemic hence, the call for a redefinition of issues bothering us as individuals, communities and as a nation. The theme is positioned as an ideal representation because concepts have been contested and continued to be redefined”.
“I believe that this theme signifies hope for self awareness and societal stability in order to achieve an ideological and globally accepted system. It is my believe that this conference will facilitate intense awareness, co-operation and recognition of common goals bothering us as a nation. It will shape our identities by providing efficient structures for inclusive and sustainable development of our nation”, he submitted.
The ASUP Chairman charged all participants to make good use of all avenues in this conference to learn, as the gathering of academic egg-heads can never be convoked without academic gain.
He thanked the Lead Speakers, Prof. Nnabuk Eddy, a Professor of Physical and Computational Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Nayan D. S. Kanwal, Universiti Putra, Malaysia, and Prof. P. L. Akpan of the University of Uyo, for their efforts and contributions towards the success of the conference.
Declaring the conference open, the Rector, Akwapoly, Dr Moses Umobong, represented by the Deputy Rector, Engr (Dr) Okon Osung, urged the participants to play close attention to papers presented so as to learn, unlearn and gain new knowledge that will help them advance the course of knowledge.
The conference which began on Tuesday, September 21 and ends on Friday, September 23, 2022, also featured Plenary Sessions and Technical Group Presentations by participants within and outside the Polytechnic as well as presentation of Certificate of Participation to participants. The conference also had in attendance Management Staff, Deans of Schools, Heads of Department and Academic Staff of the Polytechnic in attendance.
