Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi, the chairman, Local Organization Committee of the conference, speaking at a press briefing yesterday at the university premises said the maiden conference with the theme, “Communicating Science, Technology, and Innovation for National Development”, will hold from 21^st-23rd October, 2025, at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja.

He said the conference would bring key stakeholders together to promote researches and policies that are tailored to grow Nigeria’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) sector.

According to him, without effective translation of research into policies, products, and public understanding, the knowledge economy that Nigeria aspires to build would remain a distant dream, noting that the conference seeks to address these challenges.

Okolo-Obi said:

“For the first time, we are bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, the media, educators, and the public on a single platform to chart a new course. Our focus will be on breaking barriers of technical language, strengthening partnerships, training a new generation of science communicators, and advocating for policies that institutionalize science communication in Nigeria.”

He said the initiative aligns fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes economic diversification, innovation-driven growth, human capital development, and inclusive governance where knowledge is translated into wealth, and innovation creates opportunities for every citizen.

In his welcome remarks, President, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu said the institution is proud to be the host of the conference, adding that the school has an innovation hub where work is ongoing to commercialize its recent outputs.

The school secured 10 patents in the last one year.

Also speaking, Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, a member of the Local Organizing Committee, and Director Information, New Media and Protocol at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI),  said there is need for citizens to promote the culture of STI as it is key to Nigeria’s industrial development.

“This is a milestone when it comes to building the consciousness to be patriotic because what we have is basically the lack of culture for science, technology and innovation”, he said while calling on all stakeholders to strive to push the process.

The LOC also urged the media to play a pivotal role in driving the initiative, urging journalists to own the event which will be held annually to improve Nigeria’s push for sustainability in STI.

This spectacular event took place at the university’s Knowledge City Campus in Kokomlemle, Accra on Thursday, October 19, 2023, and drew a diverse audience that included AIT’s faculty, staff, and students, industry leaders, and student representatives from selected schools and tertiary institutions in Accra.

The AIT STI Expo is an annual showcase event designed to allow AIT students to present their final-year projects to the public.

The expo is conducted in collaboration with industry and commerce, serving as a bridge between academic research and real-world applications.

Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) marks Graduation Milestone with Inspiring Ceremony

Students from various schools within the university, including the Advanced School of Systems and Data Studies (ASSDAS), School of Advanced Technologies and Engineering Sciences (SATES), and AIT Business School (ABS), presented their research projects.

On the event’s agenda were presentations on current research undertaken by AIT’s final-year students in fields such as Engineering, Information Technology, and Business, highlighting remarkable advancements and innovations.

The program also included student pitch and project plan competitions, offering valuable experience to graduating seniors in the startup process, as well as an afternoon exhibition of Senior Design Projects, which represent the pinnacle of the AIT undergraduate experience.

Accra Institute of Technology’s overarching goal is to establish itself as a hub of excellence in science, technology, and innovation.

The university’s unique curriculum integrates entrepreneurial experiences, equipping students with skills in design, teamwork, project management, and business in partnership with leading industry and government collaborators.

Among the projects showcased were a wide array of innovations, including an IoT-based Palm Oil quality monitoring and notification system, a SMART UV-C Disinfecting sanitizing closet, a Domestic Power Supply Management System, an Electronic Cart (Advanced Smart Shopping Basket), a Smart Multi-User Energy Meter, a Portable Microwave Oven, and a Refrigerator operating on a Hybrid Power Source with optimal battery storage.

Additionally, students presented projects related to Helmet detection and license plate recognition systems, Gaseous Pollutants Level Monitoring, Pneumonia detection, algorithm visualizers, real-time face mask, gender and age detection systems using Python, a mobile application for detecting plant diseases and pests based on deep learning and computer vision, and research on the effects of artificial intelligence on human resource functions, bancassurance’s impact on the performance of financial institutions in Ghana, and an assessment of work-related stress management practices among female staff, among others.

Professor Benjamin Aggrey Ntim, who chaired the event, emphasized AIT’s commitment to practical education, bridging the gap between industry and academia.

AIT’s curricula extend beyond traditional classroom teaching and online learning, incorporating site visits to various industries, hydropower plants, and rural communities.
Students gain hands-on experience by working in various industries before earning their graduation certificates.

Prof. Clement Dzidonu, the President of Accra Institute of Technology, underlined the importance of science and technology in global economic development.

He urged students, particularly those in secondary schools, to take science and technology education seriously and make a positive impact on the world.

The President also commended the organizers and exhibitors for their innovative STI Expo concept, encouraging all participants to prioritize sharing their research findings for commercialization.

He believed that this collaboration would assist the Ghanaian business community in developing products for economic growth and prosperity.

The Minister said this on the validation workshop of the 2022 Draft Revised STI policy held on Thursday, in Abuja.

Abdullahi further said that the economy can be diversified through supporting the emergency of new knowledge and skills which facilitates the actualization of nation’s industrialization and all inclusive economic growth and development in the country.

The Minister also added that governments are emphasizing more on the need for sound policies that will contribute to achieving many targets of the SDG.

He further stated that Federal government National Development Plan of (2021-2025) recognises the need to leverage (STI) to build a knowledge based economy that is global and competitive.

In respect to this he said, FMSTI constituted an Inter-ministerial Committee comprising of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with other stakeholders to review the extant 2012 STI policy in line with current realities on Nigeria’s economy.

He said that the committee has finished its assignment with a proof of 2022 Draft Revised STI policy which is to be critically assessed in order to produce a robust NST &I Policy for Nigeria.

The Minister stated that strategy on energy is not robust enough considering the significance of chemical and nuclear related technology, to meet our energy challenges.

Abdullahi added that the country should not underestimate the FMST role in policy formulations and general oversight on nuclear related matter hence the need to have effective nuclear policy. In his closing remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Sunday Edet Akpan said that the Revised Policy Content has been in line with current economic direction of the country.

He said that the Leadership of the Ministry is appreciative of the overwhelming input from various stakeholders on the Revised Draft Policy.

He expressed confidence that the revised policy if approved, by the Fed. Executive Council Meeting will be implemented fully with great interest.