By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

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The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Ondo State, has advocated the deployment of science and technology to achieve food security in Nigeria.

This was stated during this year’s UNIMED Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (U-STEM) programme.

The Hope reports that U-STEM is an annual competition and science fair for secondary schools.

“It is one of the numerous community relations initiatives of UNIMED, designed to promote the use of local materials, tools, and appliances to produce prototypes that improve the quality of life and address everyday challenges through hands-on skills and scientific knowledge among participating students.

Speaking at the event themed “Ensuring Food Security through Science and Technology”, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, said:

“This is the 4th edition of the programme, and this particular one is very strategic.

“We consciously chose the theme to address food insecurity with the deployment of science and technology, given the enormity of the challenges this has posed to the nation in recent times.”

The Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Director of the Centre for Gender and Health Equity, Professor Augustina Duyilemi, added that:

“Supposedly complex situations require simple solutions,” which can easily emerge from the application of knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Also speaking on “Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, Dele Akinsade, who oversees Microsoft Expansion in the Middle East and Africa, asserted:

“Artificial Intelligence will not take jobs away from anyone, as is often claimed; rather, it will create opportunities in all areas of endeavour.”

He, therefore, encouraged the students to embrace AI training, as it will open bright horizons for them in the future.

The Director of the Advancement Unit of the University, Dr. Lawal Oyeneyin, commended the organisers who have sustained the annual event through their magnanimous and selfless support. According to him: