Varsity Lecturer Tasks Govt on Vigorous Research to Move the Country Forward
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
A Professor of polymer in the Faculty of Science, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, Benjamin Mopah Dauda, has called on the governments and captains of industries to invest vigorously in research as part of efforts to move the country forward.
He also urged the government to put the academicians on their toes with researches on critical and development issues.
Professor Dauda, who made the call while delivering his inaugural lecture at the university, decried the dearth of Research and Development Departments in most industries and corporate organisations in the country
In the lecture titled: ‘Polymer: Materials Driving Technological Advancement’, Professor Dauda said: “Today’s world is ruled by polymer derivatives,” noting that Nigeria will be doing itself disservice if it fails to move with the emerging polymer technology to better the country.
According to him, globally, human beings use over one million plastic bottles daily, and cars, airplanes, construction of houses, and music sound systems which are manufactured nowadays use polymer composites rather than steel.
The professor noted that polymer is taking the centre stage in the manufacture of these products as a result of its light weight, minimal corrosion, durability and easy to process.
He added that there is a great advantage in migrating to polymer composites in manufacturing of essential materials such as the production of paints, foams, adhesives, rubber, plastics, aeroplanes, cars with less energy consumption compared with those built on steel.
Dauda explained that polymer is being used to replace steel because of its potential for fatigue resistance and capable of addressing catastrophic failure.
He said among other usefulness of polymer in this modern technology advancement is its high impact in the detection of faults within composites.
The professor lamented at the frequent oil spillage, oil theft and pipelines burst leading to over three million barrels spill into the ecosystem with its consequences on man and economic losses.
He, however, called on the government to test the academics with research proposals and make the grant available to see whether they will deliver or not, saying Nigeria academics have what it takes to move the country forward technologically if patronised.
