Stakeholders at the 2026 National Annual Conference on Science and Education Research have called for increased investment in science, innovation, and quality education to drive sustainable development.
The call was made at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the School of Sciences, Adamawa State College of Education, Hong, on Wednesday.
The conference, with the theme, “Science in Action: Transforming Life and Reshaping the Future,” attracted scholars, researchers, scientists, and educationists from tertiary institutions across the country.
Declaring the conference open, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Ibrahim Habu, described the annual gathering as an important platform for promoting research and academic collaboration.
Habu commended the management of the college for its support and lauded members of the organising committee for the successful commencement of the conference.
In an address of welcome, the Dean of the School of Sciences in the college, Dr Larina Patrick, said the conference was organised to strengthen research capacity and promote intellectual exchange.
Patrick said it would also encourage scientific innovations capable of addressing societal challenges, and provide researchers with opportunities to share findings and build partnerships.
The Provost of the college, Prof. Benson Yusuf, represented by the Deputy Provost, Administration, Dr John Zabiri, said the conference reflected the institution’s commitment to scholarship and innovation.
Zabiri urged academics to deepen the culture of quality research and scholarly publications to enhance the visibility of the college.
He described the conference theme as timely, adding that science and innovation remained critical to tackling challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, emerging diseases, and digital transformation.
According to him, colleges of education have a vital responsibility to produce teachers who can inspire innovation, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving among learners.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Jamu Yerima said science should be viewed as a practical instrument for transforming lives and shaping the future.
“Scientific knowledge has become indispensable in healthcare, agriculture, education, communication, governance, and economic development.
“The invention of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most significant technological advancements of the present era, which the educational institutions must embrace responsibly,” Yerima advised.
In a lead paper presentation, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Prof. Marcel Agah, described science as the foundation of modern civilisation.
Agah advocated increased investment in science education, digital infrastructure, innovation hubs, and modern laboratories.
He also called for stronger collaboration among government, educational institutions, and industry to harness scientific research for national growth.
The conference, which ends on Friday, continues with plenary sessions, technical discussions, and paper presentations.
