UK body, NOUN hold conference to drive development in Nigeria, Africa

The Centre for Research, Innovation, Development and Entrepreneurship (CRIDE), the United Kingdom (UK), in collaboration with Department of Economics, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), and Philomath University, Abuja, has organised the 1st CRIDE International Conference 2024 (CIC2024) with focus on environmental protection and enhancement, social progress, sustainable development and economic development for Nigeria and other African countries.

CRIDE has a mandate to extend research visibility and collaborate with like-minded researchers, professionals, engineers, scientists and young scholars who are citizens of all the countries of the world who are passionate about using their skills and expertise to find solutions to varying problems affecting their immediate environment, in England the host country, and all the countries of the world at large.

Speaking at the conference themed “Sustainable Development: Leaving No One Behind” which was held at the NOUN headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, the convener, Professor Ganiyat Adesina-Uthman, said the event was organised to identify indigent but talented young technopreneurs and give them the necessary support so they can achieve their aims in their field of endeavour.

Adesina-Uthman, who is visiting professor to CRIDE, the UK, said Nigeria and Africa have been left behind in many indices that have to do with human development.

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She however expressed that the conference will chart a new course that will bring a paradigm shift on how sustainable development can contribute to national development in African countries, especially Nigeria.

“The world in particular is loaded with great opportunities but full of challenges. CRIDE is out to identify these opportunities innovatively with a focus on research and entrepreneurial activities. We are collaborating and partnering with researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative people and also young technopreneurs. These technopreneurs are our young children that are performing wonders in the field of innovation.

“Recently, CRIDE awarded a scholarship to a Nigerian young boy showcased by BBC Yoruba documentary as a promising technopreneur while still at Government Technical College. Qoyyum Ayomide Adewole is now studying Metallurgical Engineering at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. We are out to identify such promising technopreneurs so that we can help them, especially the indigent ones, who are in need of financial support to move on in life.

“This conference is all about touching lives and has brought together intellectuals, bureaucrats, top industry players including ministries and parastatals who came to deliberate on how we can move our nation, the African continent and the world at large forward in achieving sustainable development. Nigeria has been able to make moderate improvement in just four SDGs status and stagnant in 12 meaning we are not moving forward. We are behind.

“So, how can we as a nation and as an African continent that is witnessing such a situation not be left behind in every sector; health, economy, politics, environment and artificial intelligence (AI) in particular and how can we use it to solve our problems in Africa? We have been left behind already but how can we harness whatever we have in terms of human and capital resources that Nigeria is blessed with and also other African countries? We should all come together and ensure that the continent is not left behind and everybody participates in the process of development,” Professor Adesina-Uthman.

The Director/CEO, CRIDE UK, Dr Kayode Adenuga, in his submission, said the conference is not just an opportunity to present and discuss research but also a platform to build networks, inspire creativity and foster partnerships that transcend borders. He added that, “The intersection of research, innovation and entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.”