ACADEMIC RESEARCHES, CONFERENCES REMAIN A MILLING PROCESS TO ADDRESSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
– DR. DANIEL UDO
AKSCOE, Afaha Nsit, School of Arts & Social Sciences, holds 1st National Conference.
…Speakers raise concern on poor governance/leadership in Nigeria.
The Provost of Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Dr. Daniel George Udo has restated that funding of academic researches and organizing of conferences remain a milling process that will help address the development challenges in communities and Nigeria.
Dr. Udo gave the assertion when he spoke at the maiden National Conference of the School of Arts and Social Sciences with the theme, ”Emerging Societal Challenges and Nigeria’s Sustainability”.
The conference held at the Mini Theatre Complex of the College had in attendance, Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, Chairman of the College Governing Council, Barr. Dan Bassey Abia (Jnr.), Provost of the College, Dr. Daniel Udo, Deputy Provost Administration, Dr. Edo Obot Ekanem, Deputy Provost, Academics, Dr. Albert Archibong, Registrar, Barr. Augustine Udoibit, Bursar Mr. Emmanuel Clement Akpan, Librarian, Dr. Michael Okon, Director of Medical Services, Dr. Christopher Akpan, Council Member, Dr. Goodwin Akpan, CSO, CSP Sam Ediette (rtd.) and Dr. Ubong Sam.
Others were, Dean, School of Languages, Dr. Gloria Inyang, Dean, Students Affairs, Enobong Akpan, Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Endurance Udoh, immediate past Deputy Provost, Dr. Esther Andrews, Director of General Studies, Dr. Stella Offiong, Heads of Department, Leadership of the Students Union Government, Students etc.
Speaking at the conference, the College Provost opined that organizing of academic conferences was important as it serve as an upgrade of knowledge for participants in their various disciplines.
According to the Provost, organizing of academic conferences help provide opportunity for researches and authors to present their studies to colleagues for critical analysis and inputs in order to achieve maximum benefit for the society and humanity.
While offering insight into the gain of the conference, Dr. Udo hinted, ”the proceedings at conferences therefore accord academic researches a milling process through which the research products can authoritatively address the challenges of our communities in time and space. It is in view of such goal that I urge all participants to avail themselves of this opportunity, showcasing Academic products for critical analysis and intellectual massaging.”
Continuing, the Provost maintained that the management of the college was poised to encourage academic progress through conferences, seminars and workshops as well as Journal and Book Publications, all with the aim of increasing academic output.
Delivering a paper on the topic, ”Emerging Societal Challenges and Nigeria’s Sustainability: Echoes of Socialization”, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey explained that the society plays a vital role in the socialization process of an individual especially in an era where norms and values were fast eroding.
Mr. Bassey who raised some concerns in his research paper bothering on the decaying values in the family and society disclosed that the House of Assembly through the legislation and frequent discussion has passed a bill to curb prevailing cases of cultism and other social vices.
In his keynote lecture, Dr. Frank Etim who spoke on the topic, ” Emerging Societal Challenges and Nigeria’s Sustainability: The Governance Perspective” elucidated that the emerging problem in Nigeria was wide, vast and far reaching, particularly in times of social and economic challenges and violence as currently experienced in the country.
The University of Uyo Lecturer who based his lecture on the principle of ‘GOWON’ – GO ON WITH ONE NIGERIA, argued that when issues of governance are raised particularly in Nigeria, it was imperative to look structurally at the policy and building blocks of what constitutes the country, Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria will continue to face emerging societal challenges of kidnapping, insecurity, banditry, poor policy and poor infrastructural development as long as it is deficit in good leadership, governance and vision.
In his recommendations, Dr. Etim proferred that for Nigeria to move ahead, there was need for conscientious, participatory, accountability, responsiveness, equitability and inclusive approach to governance.
Earlier, the Dean School of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Endurance Udo in her welcome address narrated that the SASS which was birthed in 2001 with 25 lecturers has grown and recorded academic progress and standing.
As the first indigenous Dean of the school, Dr. Udo explained that the school was determined and committed to explore every opportunity to reposition the institution, hence the organization of the conference.
Expressing delight, the Chairman Governing Council of the College, Barr. Abia (Jnr), applauded the management of the institution for the aura of discipline and decorum inculcated in the students.
Abia (Jnr), in his remark revealed that the governing council and management have struck a synergic relationship to ensure a functional hostel, medical centre, cafeteria and other modern infrastructures, which will be provided to aid the students improve on their educational standing.
Presenting the last paper for the day, Dr. Paul Orebiyi in his paper presentation raised salient questions bothering on the dwindling state of the economy and the challenges bedeviling Nigeria from taking ownership of the abundant resources inherent in the country.
Dr. Orebiyi noted that development can never come without research, and that for Nigeria to pull through, there was need to invest heavily in societal and human capital development; because developing the society begins with developing the people.
While tracing the many problem of Nigeria to corruption, poor policies and foundation of leadership, Dr. Orebiyi maintained that family development remains a precursor to human and societal development; and that whatever training or achievement an individual becomes is a function of what foundation the person had at the family level.
Speaking from the economy aspect and how to pull the Nigeria’s economy from the wood of recession, Dr. Orebiyi hinted that the business, government and every unit in the country is developed by man; therefore Nigeria needs to deliberately empower individuals to produce based on their capacity, institute workable compensation programme and breaching inequality gap.
In their separate messages, the Chairman on the occasion, Dr. Theresa Ekanem and Dr. Mrs Imoh-Obong Inyang Inyang, Chairman of the organizing Committee appreciated the school management for the opportunity afforded the school of Arts and Social Sciences to hold the first edition of the conference. Also, they praised the students and speakers for turning in for the conference and leaning their support to the success of the conference.
Highpoint of the event was the launching of the School of Arts and Social Sciences journal and magazine. Other point of attraction was cultural display and entertainment. The conference which commenced on Tuesday, 16th of March will run till Friday 19th, 2021.