Plateau State University Hosts Landmark Unconference for Academics, Fostering Collaborative Research
By Azi Peter – Jos
Plateau State University (PLASU) recently held its maiden unconference for academics, themed around collaborative research and innovation.
The event, attended by staff from various disciplines, aimed to create a platform for knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Best, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Associate Professor Keziah Ayuba, expressed the university management’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for research and learning. Professor Best commended the academics for their participation and enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in driving research excellence.
The Contributing Coordinator of the program and Director of Research and Development, Dr. Emmanuel Nnadi, explained that the unconference was designed to bring together academics from diverse backgrounds to propose solutions to global challenges.
He noted that the event aimed to stimulate research, innovation, and collaboration among staff, with a focus on generating impactful research outcomes.
The unconference featured discussions on various topical issues, including:
– Insecurity and sustainable development
– Entrepreneurship and economic growth
– Health and disease management
– Climate change and environmental sustainability
– Artificial intelligence and technological innovation
– Waste management and sustainable practices
– Building collaboration in research and innovation
– Gender and social inclusion
Associate Professor Solomon Obida of the Theatre Arts Department and Patience Ladan, a participant, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interface with colleagues from other disciplines. They noted that the initiative, though new to the university, held great promise for fostering research collaboration and innovation.
The unconference is expected to serve as an incubation hub for research excellence, generating high-impact research outcomes and strengthening collaboration among academics. By providing a platform for knowledge sharing and problem-solving, PLASU aims to establish itself as a hub for innovative research and development.
