LAUTECH NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH GROUP (NANO+) IN COLLABORATION WITH POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL ORGANIZES 3rd WORKSHOP/CONFERENCE ON NANOTECHNOLOGY AND RESTATES CALLS FOR PROPER FUNDING OF UNIVERSITY AND ESTA

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LAUTECH NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH GROUP (NANO+) IN COLLABORATION WITH POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL ORGANIZES 3rd WORKSHOP/CONFERENCE ON NANOTECHNOLOGY AND RESTATES CALLS FOR PROPER FUNDING OF UNIVERSITY AND ESTA

LAUTECH NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH GROUP (NANO+) IN COLLABORATION WITH POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL ORGANIZES 3rd WORKSHOP/CONFERENCE ON NANOTECHNOLOGY AND RESTATES CALLS FOR PROPER FUNDING OF UNIVERSITY AND ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN NANOTECHNOLOGY The Nanotechnology Research Group (NANO+) (www.lautechnanotech.com) at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria, which is a frontline research group on nanotechnology in Nigeria has slated 22-24 October, 2019 for her 3rd annual workshop/conference on nanotechnology tagged ‘LAUTECH NANO 2019’, which is in partnership with The Postgraduate School, LAUTECH., Ogbomoso. The theme of the conference, ‘Nanotechnology applications in Africa: opportunities and constraints’ is expected to draw scholars, policy makers and participants from within and outside Nigeria in agriculture, life sciences, physical sciences, environmental sciences, engineering and medical fields to discuss research activities that can engender development in Africa through the multidisciplinary field of nanotechnology. The research group which is headed by Prof. A. Lateef, a Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Pure and Applied Biology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso comprised of dedicated scholars from the fields of Physics, Engineering, Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology and Zoology. The group earlier successfully organized the maiden National Workshop on Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Nanoparticles on 21-24 August, 2017 (http://lautechnanotech.com/files/report.php), in which Africa was called upon to invest in nanotechnology to aid development (https://www.scidev.net/sub-saharan-africa/r-d/news/nanotech-africa-prioritised.html), and 2nd international workshop/conference on 23-25 October, 2018 with the theme ‘Nanotechnology for sustainable development: prospects for Africa’, which attracted more than one hundred participants from thirty-five institutions in the country. The activities of the research group have led to enourmous contribution to knowledge in the field of nanotechnology through publications in top-rated journals and training of several undergraduate and postgraduate students in bourgeoning field of nanotechnology. Also, through her workshops on green synthesis, characterization and applications of nanoparticles, the group has impacted positively in training several postgraduate students and early career scientists in art of nanotechnology. The group has been commended for her doggedness in pursuit of nanotechnology agenda in the country by the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu at the second edition of the workshop/conference of the group held in October, 2018. Research in nanotechnology, which deals with manipulation and applications of materials at extremely small scale (1-100 nm), is an emerging multidisciplinary field, whose study is at lowest ebb in Nigeria. This technology has a lot of applications in agriculture, medicine, renewable energy, national security, engineering, consumer products, and sustainable environment amongst others, which Nigeria can benefit from its adoption. In its bid to diversify the nation’s economy, and also to build a knowledge-based economy, the Nigerian government through the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology has recognized the importance of nanotechnology by setting up the National Steering Committee on Nanotechnology Policy in Nigeria, which was inaugurated by the Hon. Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu on February 26, 2018 in Abuja. At the moment, NANO+ has used novel bacteria, plant and unconventional materials from Nigeria, with potent activities that can be used to combat the scourge of antimicrobial resistance, control of insect pests, as additives in paints, degradation of environmental pollutants, removal of sulphur from crude oil, and nanomaterials for the management of blood coagulation and cardiovascular disorders, as well as improving phytonutrients in plants. Several studies focusing on renewable energy, plant nutrition, preservation of materials, luminescence, toxicology, additives in paints, obesity among others are being investigated by members of the group. It has robust collaboration with scholars from University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia. The group aimed at contributing to the growth of the University through Research and Training, while it is poised for collaborative research involving individuals, groups, institutions and industries. However, for Nigeria to derive maximum benefits from nanotechnology research, the government at all levels and stakeholders must increase funding to education sector. There is also the need to develop a road map for nanotechnology policy and development in the country, while research groups such as NANO+ that have distinguished themselves should be provided with centre of excellence in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The group calls on technocrats, industrialists, funding agencies and government to support its quest for innovative research in nanotechnology for the benefit of the nation and humanity at large. It also adds its voice to the agitation for adequate and sustainable funding of the University system. More specifically, the group appeals to the owner states of Oyo and Osun that jointly owned LAUTECH, Ogbomoso to dedicate more funds to the University for the realization of the lofty ideas of the founding fathers of the University. In furtherance of her cardinal objectives, the group invites research scientists, technocrats, captains of industries, policy makers and exhibitors to her 3rd workshop/conference on nanotechnology, scheduled for 22-24 October, 2019. The conference would be declared open by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. M.O. Ologunde on 23 October, 2019 at 10.00 am at The Hall, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso. Further details can be obtained online at: www.nanotech.lautech.edu.ng.
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