Al-Makura pledges to support Nigerian Institute of Physics

Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State on Tuesday pledged that his administration would fully support activities of Nigerian Institute of Physics (NIP) geared toward national development.

The governor made the pledge at the opening ceremony of the Institute’s 41st Annual Conference in Lafia.

Our correspondent reports that the theme of the 2018 conference, scheduled to last till Oct. 12, is ‘Insecurity and Challenges of National Development – Physics as a tool’.

Declaring the conference open, Al-Makura, represented by Prof. Jonathan Ayuba, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Special Education, Science and Technology, said physics plays a pivotal role in national development.

He said the support for NIP would galvanize members of the institute to churn out innovations and scientific ideas that would have lasting positive impact on the country.

“My commitment to science is very glaring, because science, especially physics, contributes immensely to the development of the society.

“We appreciate science. We appreciate scientific innovations.

“With that, I urge the institute to work out a proposal, modalities in which the state government can fully fund and participate in whatever activities the institute will engage in,” he said.

The governor, who made a donation of N1 million to the institute for a start, said before his tenure ends in May 2019, he would ensure that the state government does more to encourage students to embrace science-related subjects, especially physics.

“As you know, we are hosting the National Council of Science in the next two weeks.

“That is to show you how committed we are in promoting science to the younger generation.

“Science, most especially physics, we cannot ignore, because everything concerning us has a bit of physics in it,” he said.

Earlier, Prof. Hycienth Aboh, President of the NIP, said the impact of physics in humanity cannot be overemphasised.

“Physics applications are found in medicine, agriculture, aviation, weather predictions, energy, environment etc.

“Any nation that neglects adequate funding of teaching, learning, research and other key activities involving physics does so at its peril,” he said.

Aboh applauded the Nasarawa State government for supporting the institute in the past,

He called on the private sector to tap the huge skilled human resources that abound in the NIP.

“NIP members are found in the academia, oil and gas industries, other industries, ministries, departments and agencies as well as in the armed forces of Nigeria.

“The NIP is at present in dire need of opening up of its frontiers for better service to the nation,” he said.