Addressing Africa’s Underdevelopment: Augustine University Holds 2nd Research Fair and Conference
By Anita Etea
In a determined effort to confront the critical issue of underdevelopment in Africa, Augustine University places a huge focus on this at its 2nd Research Fair and Conference.
On Wednesday 31st May 2023, Augustine University Ilara-Epe, Lagos, held its 2nd research fair and conference titled – ‘THE CHALLENGE OF UNDERDEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA: LEVERAGING EXOGENOUS RESEARCH AND INNOVATION FOR DEVELOPMENT’. This research fair and conference was organised by the Faculty of Science of Augustine University.
The event kicked off with a prayer by Rev. Fr. Anthony Akinwale, followed by a welcome address by the chairman CENHURD, Professor Adesola Adetutu Ajayi, in which she said, “As Africans, as Nigerians,…we must start to make use of what we have to get what we want”. After her address, the chief host of the event, Professor Christopher Odetunde, Vice-Chancellor of Augustine University, addressed the crowd.
The keynote speaker, Professor Adesola Ajayi, represented by Professor Tella Iyiola, in his address based on the theme of the research fair said, “Sustainability connotes the endurance of system and processes while development is a consequence of growth”. He spoke largely on the issues which Africa is faced by, such as how the continent suffers poor infrastructure for the people to express their intelligence and how there is the problem of a half-hazard research agenda. In addition to his presentation, he gave some measures which can be implemented to solve challenges in socioeconomic inequality and environmental degradation in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Following the end of Professor Tella’s presentation, the presence of the Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oba Dr. Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, represented by his wife, the Olori of Ilara-Epe, was acknowledged. She as well as some other dignitaries addressed the crowd by giving their goodwill messages. The conference was then brought to a close with a prayer led by Rev. Fr. Anthony Akinwale.
The dignitaries in attendance at this event were, but were not limited to, Dr. Kolapo Lawrence, HOD Biological Sciences, Professor Sunday Oloruntoba, HOD Mass Communication, Mrs. Margaret Aziba, registrar of AUI, Mrs. Mary Ajiboye, acting bursar of AUI, the Olori of Ilara-Epe, Olori Bolanle Ogunsanwo, Professor Babalola from Babcock University, Professor Siyanbola, Rev. Father Ogundele, and Dr. Mrs. Olughor.
