The National executive members of the ACS-NICSC, key administrative staff of the University of Ilorin, Ilorin and some members of the ACS-NICSC symposium organizing committee were officially received by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdul-Ganiyu Ambali at his office. This was preceded by the commencement of the symposium at the main auditorium, University of Ilorin, Ilorin with the Nigeria National Anthem and the University of Ilorin Anthem. In a welcome speech, the chairman ACS-NICSC, Prof. J. A. Obaleye welcomed all to the event and encouraged delegates to take advantage of the well packaged program especially the early career chemist seeking better opportunities. The welcome address delivered by the representative of the CSN president, Dr. Yunus Isu also encouraged delegates and hinted on how only the best can be gotten from the program while he delivered the good will message of the CSN president, Prof. (Mrs.) Gloria Ukalina Obuzor
The event was declared opened by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdul-Ganiyu Ambali who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. (Mrs.) Sidiqat Ijaiya after a brief welcome address. The Keynote address speaker, Ambassador Ayoola Olukunni took charge afterwards as he unveiled his vast and articulated expertise, displaying mastery of both applied science, social science and his diplomatic skills when he spoke on the subject “The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM): The Quest for Chemical Safety Across the World”. Ambassador Ayoola stressed the fact that chemists at the national levels and organizations such as the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN) in collaboration with relevant arm of government have a big role to play in the area of advocacy and implementation of SAICM in the quest for Sustainable Development, particularly as envisioned under the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
After a light refreshment at the Uni-ilorin dam site courtesy of the University of Ilorin Management, other speakers/presenters left delegates with a bright smile of a worth attending expressions on their faces as they charged up the academic atmosphere with their sound presentations cutting across different fields of science with chemistry in focus. The session ended with a light refreshment and group photograph.
The kwara state government, Gov. Ahmed Fatai was presented with an honorary award in recognition of his contributions to the society at the symposium. In his address, Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed expressed his appreciation for the honour to be recognized and awarded by respected colleagues and teachers. He noted that he was humbled to receive the award from such prestigious body of chemists and scientists and solicited for greater synergy between the academia and government.
After a brief citation read by Prof. Abdulsalam Nasiri, the Head of Department of Chemistry where Governor Ahmed obtained his B.Sc. degree in Chemistry in 1986 the governor received the prestigious ACS-NICS Chapter award presented by Amb. AyoolaOlukunni. The citations of other awardees including Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science were read and awards presented. Also present at the occasion were the DVC research, technology and Innovation, the University of Ilorin Liberian, Secretary to Kwara State Governor, Head of Staff, Professors, young academics/students, top government functionaries from various institutions, amongst the host of others. The event was well attended with over 115 registered participants and other guests in attendance.
The technical session was chaired by Prof. Kayode O. Adebowale and all presentations were listened to with an exceptional question and answer session which cut the attention of delegates. The symposium was generally described as one of the best so far organized as it satisfies the interest of participants.
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