RSU Showcases Nanotechnology Innovations as Konne Advocates Research-Driven Industrial Transformation

RSU Showcases Nanotechnology Innovations as Konne Advocates Research-Driven Industrial Transformation

Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday 15th July 2026, hosted its 135th Inaugural Lecture, with Professor Joshua Lelesi Konne, Professor of Materials Chemistry, delivering an intellectually stimulating discourse that highlighted the transformative potential of nanotechnology in catalysis, sustainable energy, environmental remediation and industrial development.

The lecture, titled "Naked Coated Nanoseeds: Paradoxical Pathways to Innovations in Catalysis, Energy and Environment," attracted members of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff, students, researchers, industry stakeholders and invited guests to the Dr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Senate Building.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Blessing Jaja, formally welcomed participants and described the University's inaugural lecture series as one of its foremost academic traditions for celebrating scholarly excellence and showcasing cutting-edge research with practical relevance to society.

Professor Jaja noted that inaugural lectures provide distinguished academics with the opportunity to present years of research beyond the confines of their departments while inspiring younger scholars to pursue innovative and solution-driven research. He further observed that the day's lecture would expose participants to scientific discoveries capable of addressing contemporary challenges in energy, environmental sustainability and industrial advancement.

Declaring the lecture open, He expressed confidence that the presentation would stimulate meaningful academic engagement and reinforce Rivers State University's commitment to research excellence and societal development.

Delivering the lecture, Professor Joshua Lelesi Konne introduced his audience to the fascinating world of nanotechnology, explaining how materials exhibit entirely different physical, chemical and catalytic properties when reduced to the nanoscale.

He centred his presentation on three major concepts—naked nanoparticles, coated nanoparticles and nanoseeds—describing what he termed the "paradox of nakedness," where particles perform more efficiently chemically when their active surfaces remain exposed, despite the common perception that covering or coating offers greater protection.

According to the Professor, manipulating nanoparticle surface states enables scientists to control catalytic, electrical and thermal properties for diverse industrial applications.

He illustrated this phenomenon by explaining that while ordinary bulk gold melts at temperatures above 1,000 degrees Celsius, gold particles at the nanoscale melt at approximately 300 degrees Celsius, demonstrating how particle size fundamentally alters material behaviour.

Professor Konne explained that these unique characteristics have opened new frontiers in catalysis, renewable energy technologies, environmental protection, electronics and advanced manufacturing.

He further revealed that a significant component of his research focuses on the functionalisation of Kono Boue Clay, an indigenous material, through advanced polymer coating techniques.

Using polymers such as ash, dextrin, hydrazine and arginine, his research demonstrated remarkable improvements in superconductivity, electrical current density and material strength.

According to him, the modified clay possesses enormous industrial potential in wastewater treatment, crude oil remediation, cosmetics, catalysis, ceramic production and several other manufacturing processes.

The inaugural lecturer also highlighted his team's extensive work in developing innovative ceramic superconducting materials while employing sophisticated analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), to characterise and optimise material performance.

Despite these scientific breakthroughs, Professor Konne expressed concern over the severe shortage of advanced research infrastructure within Rivers State, lamenting that for over thirteen years researchers have consistently transported laboratory samples to institutions in Katsina, Ibadan and Zaria for specialised nanotechnology analysis.

He described the situation as expensive, time-consuming and detrimental to scientific productivity.

To bridge this gap, Professor Konne recommended the establishment of a fully equipped Central Research Laboratory capable of serving multidisciplinary researchers across the University.

He also advocated the creation of a dedicated Nanotechnology Research Centre to stimulate innovation in solar cell technology, lithium-ion batteries, advanced sensors and other emerging technologies.

The Professor further called for the establishment of specialised soil treatment facilities to address oil pollution challenges in the Niger Delta while recommending increased research grants and stronger collaborations between universities and industries to accelerate the commercialisation of locally developed technologies.

Speaking during the closing ceremony on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Blessing Jaja commended Professor Konne for presenting an exceptional lecture that successfully simplified highly technical scientific concepts for both specialists and non-specialists.

He described the lecture as a clear demonstration of how research can provide practical solutions to local and global challenges through environmentally friendly nanotechnology.

Professor Jaja observed that the research aligns perfectly with Rivers State University's vision of generating knowledge capable of addressing societal problems in critical sectors including petroleum, environmental remediation, agriculture, biomedical sciences and advanced materials development.

Responding to Professor Konne's appeal for improved research infrastructure, He announced that the University's Governing Council had already approved the development of a Central Research Laboratory, a landmark project expected to significantly strengthen scientific research and innovation across the institution.

He further disclosed that the University intends to work closely with Professor Konne in the laboratory development process while exploring avenues for the commercialisation of his research outputs for national economic development.

The Chairman of the University Lectures Committee, Professor Patrick Nwinyokpugi, who was represented by Professor G. B. Okon, delivered the vote of thanks.

Professor Okon expressed gratitude to God for the successful hosting of the lecture and commended the University Management for sustaining the inaugural lecture tradition as an important platform for academic excellence and public enlightenment.

He also praised the Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership and numerous infrastructural and technological improvements that have continued to reposition Rivers State University as a leading institution of higher learning.

According to him, the consistency of the University's inaugural lecture series reflects its unwavering commitment to knowledge creation, innovation and community development while building upon the enduring legacies of past university administrators and distinguished scholars.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, Professor Joshua Lelesi Konne stressed that Nigeria must deliberately transition from a consumption-driven economy to one anchored on industrial production through research commercialisation.

He urged governments at all levels to establish startup industries capable of converting locally developed nanotechnology innovations into commercially viable products in areas such as cosmetics, environmental remediation, filtration systems and advanced materials manufacturing.

Professor Konne specifically called for the revitalisation of the Trans Amadi Industrial Layout in Port Harcourt, describing it as a strategic step towards creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people while stimulating indigenous manufacturing and technological innovation.

On research infrastructure, the Professor reiterated that researchers currently rely on external institutions, including Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University, for specialised nanotechnology analyses, a challenge he believes will soon become history with the planned establishment of Rivers State University's Central Research Laboratory.

He explained that the proposed facility would enable real-time experimentation, reduce research costs, eliminate unnecessary delays and significantly improve the quality and competitiveness of scientific research undertaken within the University.

Professor Konne also disclosed that his research group is exploring strategic collaboration with the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to deploy locally developed nanotechnology solutions for environmental cleanup in oil-producing communities.

He revealed that he is finalising a patent through the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPTTO), Abuja, for an innovative treatment material designed for soil remediation, expressing optimism that the technology would contribute significantly to addressing the environmental challenges confronting the Niger Delta.

The high point of the ceremony was the decoration of Professor Joshua Lelesi Konne as the University's 135th Inaugural Lecturer and the presentation of a plaque of recognition by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Blessing Jaja, amid applause from an appreciative audience.

By Destiny Tamunoala Emmanuel & IREIBEIKAREAWAJI JOEL