PRESS RELEASE
It was yet another intellectually stimulating moment at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede from Tuesday, 22nd to Thursday, 24th July 2025, as the School of Business and Management Technology (SBMT) held its highly anticipated International Conference under the dynamic leadership of its Dean, Dr. Maxwell Ugiagbe.
Themed “Insecurity, Migration and Economic Development: Imperatives for a Multi-Polar World,” the conference was a resounding success. It drew scholars, professionals, and policymakers from diverse institutions and sectors, underscoring the relevance and urgency of the theme in today’s global discourse.
Arrival and Courtesy Visit
The conference began with the arrival of the Lead Paper Presenter, Professor Cletus Akenbor, and the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Charles Obichere, at the Dean’s office. Following a warm reception, the Dean led the distinguished guests on a courtesy visit to the Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe.
In her characteristically warm and gracious manner, the Rector welcomed the guests and expressed deep appreciation for their presence and contributions to the institution. The visit was rounded off with a group photograph in her office, setting a memorable tone for the days ahead.
Conference Proceedings
The conference was officially declared open by the Rector, ably represented by Dr. A.C. Madu, Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance. In her goodwill message, she commended the efforts of the organizing committee and stressed the significance of the conference theme in navigating today’s complex global realities.
The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Charles Obichere, Polytechnic Librarian, provided a well-balanced perspective that bridged policy frameworks and practical implications. His clarity and depth of delivery received widespread acclaim.
The session’s highlight was the lead paper presentation by Professor Cletus Akenbor, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa. He offered a rich academic discourse on the interwoven challenges of insecurity and migration and their ripple effects on economic development. His insight set a firm scholarly foundation for subsequent discussions.
Attendance and Participation
The conference enjoyed strong participation from the academic community, industry professionals, and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations. Hosted in a hybrid format, it seamlessly accommodated both physical and virtual attendees, attesting to the technical preparedness and organizational efficiency of the planning team.
All sessions were intellectually rewarding, featuring cross-sectoral perspectives, robust engagements, and high-level deliberations that added context and depth to the central theme.
Conclusion
The SBMT International Conference on Insecurity, Migration, and Economic Development: Imperatives for a Multi-Polar World has earned its place as a landmark event in the 2025 academic calendar of Federal Polytechnic Nekede. The scholarly contributions of Professor Cletus Akenbor and Dr. Charles Obichere enriched the discourse, while the smooth execution of both virtual and in-person sessions underscored SBMT’s capability to host world-class academic engagements.
The Organizing Committee, chaired by Dr. Raphael Obuseh (HOD, PSCM), extended heartfelt appreciation to all speakers, participants, technical teams, and the institution’s management for their immense support.
Clearly, the administration of Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe is staying true to its pledge to revive and uphold academic excellence at the Polytechnic. All stakeholders are therefore encouraged to continue aligning with this vision to further the cause of scholarship and innovation.
Office of the Special Assistant to the Rector on Media Matters
25th July 2025
