Varsity don challenges industries, tech corporations to key into AI revolution for national economic transformation
By Emmanuel Ndukuba, Awka
Emmanuel Onyema Iloh, a Professor and Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra state, has challenged Nigerian industries and tech corporations to key into AI revolution for national economic transformation.
Iloh made the call on Friday at the
institution’s Faculty of Physical Science International Conference & Exhibitions (FAPSCON 2026) at the Chinwoke Mbadinuju Campus, Uli.
This year’s theme highlights “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development, Smart Insustries, and National Economic Transformation”
Iloh said: “We are living in the definitive era of the global Artificial Intelligence revolution. AI is no longer a distant futuristic concept or a luxury reserved for advanced Western labs.
“It is here, it is now, and it is reshaping every sector of human
endeavor—from healthcare diagnostics and mechanized agriculture to automated financial systems and climate modeling. For a developing nation like Nigeria, AI presents an unprecedented leapfrogging opportunity.
“If we can successfully key into AI, we can build smart industries that optimize production, minimize waste, and compete globally.
“We can drive a national economic transformation that moves us away from an over-reliance on natural resources toward a high-value, knowledge-based digital economy.
“However, this transformation cannot happen in academic isolation. This is why I am making a direct, urgent call to our industry partners and tech corporations today: Key into this revolution by using our university as your primary training ground.
According to him, the Faculty of Physical Sciences possesses the raw, unadulterated talent. Our brilliant staff members are conducting cutting-edge research and our students represent a massive,tech-savvy workforce eager to learn and innovate.
“We invite tech industries to establish AI labs, sponsor incubation hubs, and bring real-world industry challenges into our lecture halls.
“Let our faculty be the factory where the localized AI algorithms of tomorrow are built, tested, and
deployed. By partnering with us, you don’t just get access to cheap labor; you get access to customised home-grown intellectual property that will scale your businesses and revolutionize our industries,” he said.
He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration which has consistently demonstrated that qualitative education is the bedrock of sustainable development.
“We are living witnesses to the giant strides of this administration in raising the standard of education in our institution.
“I want also to thank the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha for her visionary leadership, relentless drive for academic excellence, and constant support for the research-driven initiatives which have made the faculty of Science a beacon of innovation,” Iloh stated.
He thanked Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the Deputy Governor of Anambra state, who also chaired the event, keynote speaker and the sponsors, Keynote Bank and others.
He equally thanked the FAPSCON 2026 Local Organising Committee
ably led by Prof. Christian Chika Onuchukwu for working around the clock to organize the seamless
event.
Earlier, the LOC Chairman, Prof. Christian Onuchukwu, said that FAPSCON had become an annual platform for scholarly exchange, research dissemination and collaboration.
“This year’s theme highlights the
transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research, agriculture, education, energy
and industrial production. We anticipate discussions that will promote responsible AI adoption, indigenous
innovation, industrial productivity and Nigeria’s economic development,” he added.
