Anambra State Polytechnic Mgbakwu in collaboration with Center for Advanced Arts, Science, Social and Management Research Awka, has organized a two day physical and virtual multi disciplinary international conference with the theme, “Knowledge, Technology and Innovation for Africa’s transformation. ”

Participants were drawn from various academic levels at both home and in the diaspora.

Correspondent Theophilus Ukoha reports that in a welcome address the Rector of the Polytechnic Dr Nneka Mefor, said the conference was organized to encourage researchers to be committed to their works as innovations are made from inventive minds coming together.

The Rector who acknowledged over ninety abstracts from scholars all over the world, said research work is not an exclusive right of the academia but can have a lot to offer the society adding that the Polytechnic has recorded many researches in the area of agriculture.

In a lead paper presentation, Professor Chinalum Nwankwo of the Faculty of Arts Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and Dr Francisca Nwafulugo, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, represented by Dr Nnamdi Umezinwa posited that Africa need to concentrate on innovations rather than renovations for a meaningful economic transformation of the region.

Earlier in a keynote address the Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Charles Esimone, said knowledge, technology and innovations are key agents to the transformation of Africa whose current State of development is less desirable.

Professor Chris Ezeibe from the University of Nigeria Nsukka during a pre conference workshop on the midpoint between academic research and technologically driven economy identified the importance of academic research in building a purposeful economy.

Professor Willie Obiozo, Director Center for the Disabilities Faculty of Education Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, who chaired the opening ceremony of the conference, said there is need for creativity and skills acquisition as emphasis on certificate should be reduced.

In a vote of thanks the Registrar of the Anambra State Polytechnic Mgbakwu Dr Samuel Nnana appreciated all the participants.

Question and answer session and awards to distinguished individuals from Mgbakwu community formed the major highlights of the ceremony.