Michael Okpara Varsity holds maiden Research, Innovation Conference, as Otti promises adequate support to researchers

Abia Governor Dr. Alex Otti says his administration will continue to give adequate priority to the development of research in the educational sector.

Governor Otti who stated this while declaring open, the maiden Research and Innovation conference organized by the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike noted that innovations and Collaborative spirits are the key stone locking the potentials of educational system in the country.

The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Education Professor Uche Eme Uche promised to sustain his partnership in education with the institution and commended them for their interest in research-based studies.

In his speech, the former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara represented by the traditional ruler of Ugwu Nkpa community in Bende local government area, Eze Princewill Onyeghu said that the burden of funding of Universities in the country should be less on the government, if Universities utilized the opportunities in research and innovation.

He described the conference as a well thought out program which would be beneficial to the Institution and the Researchers as well as the country’s economy.

Delivering his keynote address, Dr Chika Ikenga said that the conference provided the needed opportunities for people and industries to transform the economy, pointing out that the government alone may not be able to fund University education.

Earlier in an address, the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Professor Udo Habert while describing the theme of the event as very apt said that the conference was organized to encourage research development in the institution.

The VC noted that the event is another demonstration of some of the efforts of his administration at reminding researchers of the real essence of the establishment of universities and to bring to consciousness the responsibilities of ensuring that the university remains an academic centre for research and innovation.