The 46th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Physics: A Call for Innovation and National Development

               

 The Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi presenting his speech during the conference 

The National President, Nigerian Institute of Physics, Prof. J. O. Coker, delivering his Address at the Conference

Newly inducted Fellows of the Nigerian Institute of Physics

 

The 46th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Physics: A Call for Innovation and National Development

The Nigerian Institute of Physics (NIP) recently held its 46th Annual Conference at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, with a focus on the Quadruple Helix Model for innovative research and economic development. The conference brought together experts, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the role of physics in shaping Nigeria's future.

The Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, congratulated the Nigerian Institute of Physics for choosing Rivers State University as the host institution. He reiterated the importance of physics in national development and expressed optimism that the conference would generate valuable ideas and foster intellectual exchange among participants.

Professor Zeb-Obipi stated that the Rivers State University Management looks forward to receiving the Conference Communiqué, which he said will be of immense benefit to the University and the Nation at large.

In his address, Professor J. O. Coker, President of NIP, emphasized the centrality of physics to all aspects of human existence, describing it as the "bedrock of Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Technology." He called on both the State and Federal Governments to support the Nigerian Institute of Physics in enhancing the study of physics at all levels of education in Nigeria. 

The President also mentioned the acquisition of land for the National Physics Centre (NPC) inside the University of Abuja, which will house a multi-purpose conference centre, physics library, and physics research laboratories.

"The Nigerian Institute of Physics has marked a two-acre land for the National Physics Centre (NPC) inside the University of Abuja along Airport Road, Abuja. The NPC is expected to house a multi-purpose conference centre, physics library, and physics research laboratories, where cutting-edge research, workshops, and seminars will be carried out by NIP members," the President said.

Delivering the Keynote Address, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), highlighted the significance of the Quadruple Helix Model in driving innovation and economic development. He emphasized that this model provides a transformative approach to innovation by fostering collaboration among four key stakeholders: academia, industry, government, and civil society. "The Quadruple Helix Model builds upon the traditional Triple Helix Model by acknowledging the critical role of the public in shaping research priorities, fostering innovation, and ensuring that scientific discoveries align with societal needs," Halilu said.

In his welcome address, the Acting Head, Department of Physics, Dr. A. R. C. Amakiri, welcomed members of the National Executive Council, Fellows, and participants to the Annual Conference. He stated that the Conference was organized to provide a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among participants and institutions.

The conference featured the induction of new fellows and members of the Nigerian Institute of Physics, including prominent professors and researchers in the field of physics. Participants emphasized the need for increased funding, establishment of science parks, and incentives for private-sector investments in research.

The conference concluded with a call for stakeholders to partner with the Council of NIP to make the NPC a reality. The participants were assured that the conference would provide a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among participants and institutions.

The 46th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Physics has undoubtedly ignited a spark of innovation and creativity among participants. As the conference comes to a close, one thing is clear: physics will play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria's future. The question is, what will be the impact of this conference on the nation's development? Only time will tell.

Anchored by: Destiny Tamunoala Emmanuel