The Pro-Chancellor and Founder of North-Eastern University (NEU), Gombe, Dr Sani Jauro, has urged chemistry students to pursue solution-focused research to tackle Nigeria’s challenges.
He gave the charge on Tuesday while addressing chemistry students from various schools during NEU’s first Chemistry Day in Gombe.
The event with the theme ‘Chemistry Futures: Inspiring the Next Generation’, brought together students from secondary and tertiary institutions.
NEU organised the event in collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Pan Africa Chemistry Network.
Jauro stressed the need to enlighten students on chemistry’s relevance in addressing societal challenges across Nigeria.
He noted that since chemistry affects all aspects of life, young minds must be inspired to use it in nation-building.
“The aim is to sensitise people on chemistry’s importance and its impact on human life,” he stated.
Jauro explained that NEU partnered with the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Pan-African Chemistry Network because chemistry is vital to scientific advancement.
He added, “This university, being a hub for development, wants to inspire students to consider chemistry as a career path.”
Jauro lamented the decline in students studying chemistry, saying it poses a risk to Nigeria’s scientific and technological progress.
He said NEU organised the event to encourage students to explore careers in the field of chemistry.
Jauro praised the federal and Gombe State governments for promoting science education and urged them to continue such efforts.
Gombe State’s Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Aishatu Maigari, commended NEU for its commitment to chemistry education.
Maigari said the education ministry would partner with NEU to further promote chemistry studies across the state.
She added that the government had improved science education through infrastructure, teacher training, recruitment, and a more conducive learning environment.
Dr Mohammed Isyaka, NEU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the university’s research on medicinal plants to support Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He said the Centre for African Medicinal Plant Research helps herbal practitioners understand the safe use of traditional medicine.
The centre, he said, seeks to reduce health risks by addressing the dangers of excessive herbal drug consumption.
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