As part of efforts to encourage research and development in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology has recently organized a 5-day event tagged “Technology and Innovation Expo’ 2017” held from 3^rd to 7^th April, 2017 at the Eagle Square in Abuja.  Federal University Lokoja was among the 54 universities that participated in the national exhibition where over 200 inventions were exhibited.

Dr. Olugbenga Oluwagbemi, Computer Science Department and Dr. Raji Abdulateef, Biological Sciences Department, Federal University Lokoja were the two (2) exhibitors who represented the University at the expo’ and as a result of their brilliant performance, a certificate was awarded to the University for participating in the event that has left many of the guests stunned especially seeing a young university exhibiting such novel products. 

Dr. Oluwagbemi and Dr. Abdulateef exhibited four (4) scientific products namely: Hydroponic Model Farming, Rhizogenesis Model, Ebinformatics (software for the control of Ebola) and AMAHD (mobile application for hereditary diseases).  These inventions were well presented by the two academics of great repute as such the products were highly rated by the Panel of Assessors.   The exhibitors, again, were highly commended for their efforts at publishing such research products in prestigious international journals while some of the guests were so impressed that they promised to visit Federal University Lokoja in a bid to further promote research and innovation.


The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Angela Freeman Miri, (left) flanked by the Registrar, Mr. Suleman Usman Obansa, Dean of Science, Prof. Sunday Eric Adewumi and the researchers receiving the Certificate and some previous Proceedings of the Expo’ in her office at the Adankolo Campus

Highlights of the event include: a tour of the exhibited products during the opening ceremony led by the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Technical Sessions on Research and Development (R&D)/Industry Linkages, Technical Sessions on Process and Manufacturing Technology, Researchers and Inventors Forum where investments opportunities in raw materials, biotechnology, space technology and food processing technology were announced, Presentations of Awards, amongst others.

In her remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Angela Freeman Miri along with other Principal Officers of the University, while receiving the Certificate and some previous Proceedings of the Expo’ in her office, thanked the exhibitors for their hard work that has brought about the recognition to Federal University Lokoja.


L-R: Dr. Ezra Gbaje Shiloba, University Librarian, Prof. Makanjuola Olayemisi Osagbemi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Raji Abdulateef (Researcher),  Prof. Angela Freeman Miri, Vice-Chancellor,  Prof. Sunday Eric Adewumi, Dean of Science,  Dr. Olugbenga Oluwagbemi (Researcher), and Mr. Suleman Usman Obansa, Registrar; in a group photograph

Earlier in their recommendation, the researchers stressed the need for staff motivation by the University Management to promote more researches that will benefit the Institution, Kogi State and Nation at large.  The researchers further enjoined other scholars to publish in high impact international journals and strive to participate in the next National Exhibition (2018 edition) where their inventions or products would be exhibited.  They also recommended the establishment of Faculty of Engineering in the University for Interdisciplinary Research in the Faculty of Science and Technology where driverless cars, remote-controlled cars, drones and robotic air planes prototypes can be produced.  These efforts would undoubtedly move the University forward.


The two researchers cum inventors, Dr. Raji Abdulateef (left) and Dr. Olugbenga Oluwagbemi displaying the certificate of participation given to the University