Don underscores material, metallurgical engineering role in economic growth

By Mosunmola Ayobami,Ilorin

A professor of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering in University of Ilorin, Professor Jamiu Odusote, has emphasized the crucial role of materials and metallurgical engineering in the economic growth of any nation.

Odusote said it is important to provide necessary tools and environment for the materials scientists and engineers to develop wide range of materials for the economic growth and development of the nation.

The Professor stated this while delivering the 246th Inaugural lecture, tagged “Engineering materials development as catalyst for innovation” at the University of Ilorin on Thursday.

The Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, disclosed that materials and metallurgical engineering has played vital role in designing, developing and characterisation of new engineering materials that has led to technological advancement in various sectors

He identified the sectors such as transportation construction, building roads, rails, military weaponry and defence-armoury,oil and gas, communication, electronic, mechatronics, computer hardware, telecommunication, and information technology.

Others are development in surgical implants for orthopaedic, dental, and neurosurgeons.

Odusote said materials have always been and would continue to be unsung heroes of innovation with development due to its contribution to livelihood.

” One of the important messages in this lecture is that there can never be innovation and technological advancements without the development of appropriate engineering materials.In this lecture I have also attempted to show that materials science and engineering is a bedrock and critical pillar of interface and connect all modern science and engineering fields.

“That is engineering materials is a catalyst for innovation in all facets of our lives since every product we use in our daily lives is made from a class or combination of classes of materials; metals, polymer, ceramics, biomaterials etc. From our work it has been revealed that research and development in the field of materials engineering is greatly influencing the advances in manufacturing technogies,aimed at improving human lives and economy of the nations”he said.

Odusote called for value addition to locally available resources, provision of adequate funding and facilities by the government for undergraduates and post graduates.

He further called for review of engineering curricular to meet the societal industrial needs, revitalization of Ajakuta steel complex and other metals company.

The don urged government ministries, departments and parastatals to mandate patronage research products from universities and research institutes, calling for improve energy production and supply.

He enjoined the nigerian government to prioritize training and remuneration of materials engineers.