Don Identifies Sustainable Chemistry as Panacea for Eco-innovation

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

A Lecturer in the Department of Energy and Applied Chemistry at Usman DanFodio University, Sokoto Prof M.N. Almustapha has identified the roles of sustainable Chemistry as the panacea for eco-innovation for equitable societies and industries.

Prof Almustapha made the assertion at the workshop, organized by American Chemical Society ( ACS) , Sokoto State University chapter, in collaboration with The Research and Development Centre, Sokoto State University.

The workshop which was held at Centre for Caliphate Studies with a theme “Tackling the Global Goals through Chemistry” the Don explained that chemistry had the capacity to solve societal problems , stressing everything in the world revolve round Chemistry.

Outlining the role of chemists in the process, he called for the practicability and application of the study of Chemistry in Nigeria.

In his welcome ­­­address the programme organizer, Dr Thompson Ezuagie, described the American Chemical Society as a self-governed individual membership organisation of more than 200,000 members at all degree levels and in all fields of chemical sciences. ­­­­­

Ezuagie listed the achievements of the association to include the establishment of student chapters in six Nigerian Federal Universities and State Universities, He specially commended the Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University, Prof Garba Bashir, who he described as erudite chemist who always supported the activities of the association in the school.

Also speaking at the occasion, the head of department of Chemistry Dr Shamsuddeen Ahmad said the workshop was attended by academics and stakeholders in chemical sciences who would explicate on the various sub-themes of the programme.

He urged the participants, especially the students, to pay attention to every presentation to enable them learn from the workshop .

On his part the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Garba Bashir who was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration , Pro Ahmad Attahiru Sifawa, said the workshop would not only be valuable to Chemistry professionals but also humanity at large.

The theme of the workshop, Bashir noted, was not only timely but it was also of essence to the sciences.

He pledged that the University would henceforth set aside a grant for science entrepreneurship which will make the students to frequently carry out their practicals.

He further explained that the school will ensure its students especially those in sciences acquire skills to enable them to be self reliance after graduation.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Science and Technology, Bala Kokani, represented by Director of Planning in the ministry, Attahiru Aliyu Jegara, said the Ahmed Aliyu led administration had given priority to science and technology.

He posited that the administration had put all machinery in place to revive ailing technical schools in the state.

There were goodwill messages received in the course of the workshop from corporate organisations and academics.