By Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, has reinforced its growing reputation as a powerhouse of research and innovation with the successful hosting of its 2nd National Conference and Exhibition (Hybrid), themed “Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Economic Development.”
Organized by the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (RI&D), the conference commenced on Tuesday, 24th February 2026, at the institution’s 1,000 Capacity Auditorium , attracting scholars, industry partners, innovators, and students from across Nigeria.
Courtesy Visit Sets the Tone
Before the conference formally opened, members of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (RID), led by the Acting Director, Dr. Mrs. Peace Chinedu Abana, paid a courtesy visit to the Rector, Dr. Mrs. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe.
Present with the Rector was the Deputy Rector Academic (Designate), Dr. Obinna Iwueke.
Accompanying the Acting Director were Dr. Nleonu, Deputy Director RID and LOC Chairman of the 2nd RID Conference; Mr. Chinweike Ubah, Deputy Director RID; Dr. Amuneke Chidinma, LOC Secretary of the 2nd RID Conference; Dr. Mrs. Juliana Njoku, Director Evening Programme; and Dr. Mrs. Megwas.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Abana appreciated the Rector’s unwavering support in repositioning research within the Polytechnic. She noted that the conference was designed not just as an academic gathering but as a strategic platform to move ideas “ from concept to consequence,” adding that innovation must translate into measurable societal impact. She assured Management that the Directorate remains committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and scaling research outputs into practical solutions.
In her response, the Rector commended the Directorate for its dedication and proactive engagement. She reaffirmed that research remains central to her 11-Point Agenda and emphasized that Federal Polytechnic Nekede must evolve into a Smart Post-Modern Polytechnic where innovation drives institutional growth and national development. She encouraged the team to sustain the momentum and assured them of continued Management support.
Conference Highlights
The conference was chaired by the Deputy Rector (Designate), Dr. Obinna Iwueke, who officially set the tone for the event. In his opening remarks, he underscored the urgency of innovation-driven research in addressing Nigeria’s present economic realities. He emphasized that the Polytechnic community possesses vast intellectual capacity capable of generating practical and sustainable solutions. He also commended the Rector for sponsoring staff who required financial support and praised the RI&D Directorate for assembling reputable speakers to enrich academic discourse.
In her opening address, the Rector reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to transforming the institution into a Smart Post-Modern Polytechnic. She stressed that polytechnic education must transcend certificate acquisition and become a hub for solution-oriented research capable of driving Nigeria’s technological and economic renaissance.
A major highlight was the announcement that twelve (12) concept notes have advanced to the proposal stage under the National Research Fund (NRF), a milestone reflecting the institution’s growing competitiveness in national research funding. The Rector also highlighted sustained capacity-building initiatives, including research workshops, writing clinics, and monthly webinars designed to institutionalize a vibrant research culture.
In her welcome address, Dr. Peace Abana described innovation as a non-linear, problem-solving journey essential for sustainable development. Framing the theme “From Concept to Consequence,” she urged researchers to ensure their ideas translate into tangible societal impact.
The keynote lecture delivered by Professor Beckley Ikhajiagbe, Professor of Ecophysiology and Environmental Biotechnology at the University of Benin, called for a decisive shift from resource exploitation to smart stewardship through precision agriculture, clean energy, efficient water management, sustainable cities, and strong biosafety practices.
Emphasizing alignment with national renewable energy policies, he advocated circular, locally scalable innovations that protect the environment while promoting inclusive economic growth.
The Lead Paper presented by Professor Joy Chioma Nwabueze emphasized that sustainable economic development requires deliberate adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, renewable energy, biotechnology, and digital public infrastructure. She stressed that real transformation depends on strong policies, strategic investments, and coordinated partnerships among government, industry, and academia.
Moving from linear to data-driven circular systems, she noted, demands rigorous statistical measurement and evidence-based governance to ensure sustainability outcomes are inclusive and measurable.
It is worthy of note that Professor Joy Chioma Nwabueze is a trailblazer in Nigeria’s academic landscape . A graduate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Ibadan, she emerged as the BEST M.Sc. Statistics student at UNN in 1987 and went on to become the first female to earn a Ph.D. in Statistics in Nigeria, as well as the first female Professor of Statistics in the country.
Participants later proceeded to the exhibition arena, where inventions and prototypes from various Schools, departments and Centres were displayed, demonstrating practical ingenuity and reinforcing the Polytechnic’s commitment to bridging theory and practice.
The technical sessions continued from Wednesday, 25th to Thursday, 26th February 2026, featuring over 268 paper presentations from researchers within and outside the Polytechnic community, further affirming the conference as a credible national academic platform.
In recognition of excellence, the organizers presented awards to the Keynote Speaker and Lead Paper Presenter for their distinguished scholarly contributions. The best three departments in the exhibition, Chemistry/Biochemistry (1st), Food Technology (2nd), and Microbiology/Biochemistry (3rd), were honoured with certificates and cash prizes, while other participants also received certificates and financial appreciation for their innovative displays.
As the conference concluded, it marked another significant milestone in Federal Polytechnic Nekede’s journey toward research excellence, nurturing ideas, empowering scholars, and advancing sustainable economic solutions for Nigeria and beyond.
keep moving FPNO, greater works