Don advocates accelerated development through STEM innovation

An expert in renewable energy and climate change, Dr Kingsley Ukoba has called on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts in its efforts to build resilience in the energy and climate industries for accelerated development. Delivering a keynote address delivered at the annual conference of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Ukoba passionately advocated for the swift advancement of Nigeria through the lens of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) innovation. The event which was well attended was declared open by the vice-chancellor of the University (FUTA) Prof Adenike Temidayo Oladiji The event, a beacon for top academia, industry leaders, and government officials, witnessed Ukoba’s insightful discourse on leveraging Nigeria’s vast human capital and resources for accelerated national development. Hailing from the ranks of distinguished Nigerians both locally and in the diaspora, Dr. Ukoba underscored the integral role of innovation in engineering, technology, and scientific advancements. He emphasized the interconnectedness of these domains in propelling progress and economic prosperity, urging concerted efforts towards transitioning Nigeria from a developing nation to an emerging and eventually developed one. Speaking with newsmen after the keynote address, he opined that Nigeria has the human capital and resources to accelerate the country’s development. He pointed out some key areas that can aid the country in moving from developing to emerging and developed countries. He also noted that Innovation in Engineering encompasses engineering, technology, and scientific advancements, adding that these elements are intertwined and collectively drive progress and economic development. Also speaking on engineering innovation, he mentioned the development of novel solutions, materials, and processes including; Technological Innovation: Advancements in information technology, automation, and digitalisation; scientific innovation discoveries and breakthroughs in fundamental research. Ukoba, renowned for his scholarly achievements, boasts a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, and ranks among the top 15 researchers in his field. At the University of Johannesburg, he spearheads the Smart Energy Group for JENANO, driving innovation and excellence in renewable energy research. His contributions extend beyond academia, as he has developed pivotal products and machinery to bolster STEM development in Nigeria through the nation’s premier engineering institute. Globally recognized for his outstanding contributions, Dr Ukoba’s accolades include prestigious fellowships and grants from esteemed institutions such as The World Academy of Science (TWAS), National Research Fund (NRF), British Council, NewtonFunds, URC, SASOL, and the World Bank. Notably, in 2021, he secured a coveted one million South African Rands grant for water treatment utilizing Atomic Layer Deposition, underscoring his unwavering commitment to addressing multifaceted environmental challenges. Reflecting on the potential of Nigeria’s youth and resources, Ukoba’s impassioned call for harnessing STEM innovation serves as a clarion call for stakeholders to unite in propelling the nation towards sustainable development and global competitiveness. His visionary leadership and exemplary contributions stand as a beacon of hope, inspiring the next generation of Nigerian innovators to chart a path towards a brighter, more prosperous future.