SSU Vice Chancellor Says Practical Application of Academic Research Holds Key to Solving Nigeria’s Challenges
By, Ahiaba Douglas Achile,Abuja
The Vice-Chancellor of Sokoto State University (SSU), Sokoto, Professor Mohammed Bello Yerima, has said that Nigeria’s economic, technological and scientific challenges can be overcome if research findings from the nation’s academic institutions are translated into practical solutions.
Professor Yerima, a renowned Professor of Microbiology, made this assertion in an exclusive interview with the media at the just-concluded International Conference on Science, Engineering and Sustainable Green Technology, held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Nigeria National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja.
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The conference, Organized by the Academy of Innovative Research, Science and Technical Development (ACIRSTD), was themed “Engineering Green Solutions and Sustainable Technology to Drive Eco-Friendly Innovation.”
Professor Yerima maintained that research findings produced by Nigerian academics and currently lying dormant in various archives and institutional repositories have enormous potential to address the country’s numerous challenges.
He identified the environment, economy, healthcare, agriculture and other critical sectors as areas where academic research could provide practical and sustainable solutions to pressing national problems.
The Vice-Chancellor, who is also a former National President of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria and the Nigerian Society for Microbiology, commended the organisers for bringing together a significant number of academics, scientists and researchers.
He described the conference as timely and long overdue, noting that such intellectual gatherings provide important platforms for knowledge exchange, collaboration and the advancement of scientific innovation.
Professor Yerima also applauded the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as efforts to create an enabling environment for academic and scientific research to thrive in the country.
He particularly highlighted the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, describing these initiatives as strategic steps capable of transforming Nigeria’s economy and addressing its economic challenges.
Meanwhile, in recognition of his outstanding academic achievements, scholarly contributions to scientific research and development, leadership and service to humanity, Professor Mohammed Bello Yerima was elected and subsequently inducted as a Fellow of the Academy of Researchers, Scientists and Technologists.
The prestigious fellowship is reserved for distinguished academics and professionals whose contributions to scientific research, technological advancement, leadership and human development have earned them recognition.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 30th, 2026
