Adewumi Ademiju, Ado-Ekiti
A University Lecturer,Professor Fadeke Matthew Ojelabi has called on the Federal government to significantly increase and sustain funding for Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, TCMP research in all higher institutions of learning for advancement of technology and economic development of the nation.
The academic stated this while delivering the 96th inaugural lecture of the Ekiti State University EKSU, held at the University main campus in Ado-Ekiti..
The lecture was titled: “QUANTUM LEAPS AND ECONOMIC SPIKKES: How Condensed Matter Physics (CMP) Can Drive Nigeria’s Technological Revolution”
Professor Ojelabi said:” TCMP is a foundational science that has historically proven to be the unseen engine of technological breakthroughs, driving economic growth, fostering technological independence, and elevating a nation’s global standing.
The Professor of Condensed Matter Physics added that ” For a nation like Nigeria, strategic investment in TCMP is not merely an academic pursuit but a critical imperative to address pressing challenges in energy security, advanced manufacturing and digital defense, while simultaneously cultivating a self-sustaining knowledge economy ”
He however regretted that “many schools, especially the secondary level, either lack dedicated Physics’ laboratories or have poorly equipped ones”, stated that even where equipment exists, that it’s often outdated, broken or locked away.
He stated that access to computers, internet and educational software is often limited, hindering the integration of modern teaching methods. The don equally explained that apart from the general problem of brain drain, that there’s a special problem of getting more women into Science and Technology, particularly Physics at an advanced level and with very few women going into physics.
Professor Ojelabi therefore recommended that the teaching of Physics and other science vocations at undergraduate level, should include courses to be designed purposely to study up-to-date historical accounts of scientific discoveries in Physics and other science subjects noting that studying the chronological developments of the subjects, and focusing attention on the specific contributions of each master of the vocations, would go a long way in assisting the young scientists to know where to fit in and make meaningful contributions.
“By prioritizing brains before bridges and establishing robust funding mechanisms, the government can unlock unprecedented economic and developmental advantages, securing a prosperous and independent future “, she stated.
The Vice – Chancellor of the University, Professor Ayodele Babatola urged other scholars to come up with more inaugural lectures with the assurance that the University would continue to support academic development.