By Bassey Asuquo
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering commitment to promoting scientific inquiry, driving innovation, and fostering strategic partnerships that advance national development and tackle contemporary global challenges.
Prof. Offiong stated this at the University Senate Chamber while declaring open the 2nd Annual Conference of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Cross River Chapter, 2026, with the theme _“Catalysing the Green Economy: Chemistry as a Driver for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”.
This was disclosed in a statement by the University’s Public Relations Unit, a copy of which was made available to Flowerbudnews.
Describing Chemistry as central to global sustainability efforts, the Vice Chancellor who was the Chief Host and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee said the discipline remains at the forefront of providing innovative solutions in renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, waste management, and industrial development as the world embraces environmentally responsible technologies.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that Nigeria’s push for economic diversification and sustainable growth hinges on innovation and technological advancement.
He noted that chemists are pivotal to developing green technologies and sustainable solutions that can stimulate economic growth while protecting the environment for present and future generations.
The Varsity helsman charged participants to leverage the ideas, deliberations, and recommendations from the conference to advance the chemical sciences and support Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable green economy.
In his welcome address, Alternate Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Ayi A. Ayi, said the conference was designed to enable stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore innovative solutions to pressing national and global challenges.
He highlighted key sub-themes for discussion, including environmental remediation and resource management, the circular economy and valorization, and chemical education and capacity building.
Prof. Ayi added that chemistry is life, noting that virtually everything around us — from the air we breathe and the water we drink to the medicines we use and the technologies that drive our economy — is rooted in chemistry.
This came as he commended the Vice Chancellor for his immense generosity, unwavering administrative support, and personal commitment, describing them as key pillars that made the conference possible.
Delivering the keynote address, the President of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Prof. Rufus Sha’Ato, represented by the Vice President, South-South, Dr. Frank Oteiva, described the green economy as one that promotes economic growth while minimizing environmental risks and resource depletion.
He listed environmental pollution, waste management, climate change, energy, and food security as critical focus areas.
Prof. Sha’Ato called for stronger pathways to commercialization for chemists through university-industry partnerships, technology transfer, and start-up incubation hubs.
He urged policymakers and critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s economic and industrial sectors to create enabling policies and increase investment in chemical research. He also challenged industries to drive innovation by partnering with universities and research institutes.
Earlier, the Cross River Chapter Chairman of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, CHM Stephen Adalikwu, said the conference represented more than a scientific meeting.
He described it as a rebirth of vision, a restoration of legacy, and a renewed commitment to advancing chemical sciences in Nigeria, noting that nations worldwide are adopting sustainable practices to balance economic prosperity with environmental preservation.
Adalikwu, however, noted that inadequate funding, weak academia-industry linkages, and insufficient infrastructure continue to limit Nigeria’s scientific and technological potential.
The event featured a goodwill message from the Vice Chancellor, University of Cross River State, Prof. Francisca Bassey, and award of prizes to winners of the recently conducted quiz competition amongst secondary schools within the chapter.