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History made as UNN jumpstarts First Embedded Science Park in West Africa

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University of Nigeria, Nsukka makes history again. Lion Science Park, the first university-based science park in Nigeria held her maiden board meeting on the 17th of July, 2018 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka campus.

The Board membership is predicated on the triple helix concept and thus has representatives from the public sector, private sector and the academia.

The Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Professor Benjamin Ozumba has brought to fruition the many innovative ideas he conceived since the last quarter of the year 2016. A major mandate of the University of Nigeria and other higher institutions/research resource centers is to provide the knowledge backbone for industry, commerce and society.

This mandate has become even more urgent especially in view of the current global emphasis on the need for a progressive paradigm shift to innovation-driven and knowledge-based economy.

It is in pursuit of this mandate that the University of Nigeria established the first university-based Science Park in Nigeria (the Lion Science Park) with advisory support from Ideon Science and Lundavision both in Sweden.

The Lion Science Park (LSP) is expected to encourage regional, national and international scientific Research and Development (R&D) initiatives by supporting alliance and interaction amongst academia, industry and government.

It is expected to create strategic synergies with private, public and institutional research institutes/centers seeking to optimize their R&D activities by collaborating with researchers, research groups and research institutes in Nsukka, Enugu and Ituku-Ozalla campuses of the University.

The Science Park is designed as an innovation hub, an economic transformation initiative and a sustainable development project in line with the United Nations SDG 17.

The Park will provide graduates with direct and unhindered access to specialized innovative infrastructure of the highest standard, exposing them to an outstanding training opportunity for applied scientific innovation and entrepreneurial skills.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Benjamin Ozumba stated that “Innovation in UNN has come to stay. Within one year, a lot has happened in the innovation space in this university: the first fully-fledged university-based technology incubator, Roar Nigeria, is up and running and already incubating startups; the Lion Laptop Assembly Plant (Lion Technologies) is producing affordable and high spec laptops; the Lion Science Park already has Tenant companies; Over 215 Research groups in the University are ready to deliver impactful research solutions to companies. We are building a world class science park; we currently have a temporary building and planning to develop the 50 hectares of land for the permanent site of the Lion Science Park”

Professor Kenneth Ofokansi, Director, International Collaborations for the University also added that “the first international workshop on Science Park and innovation was held in February 20-23rd, 2018 at the UNN which was themed Science Park and Innovation Ecosystem for National Development (SPIEN4ND). The workshop recorded an impressive international participation.

The Honorable Minister for Science and Technology, His Excellency, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu also graced the workshop as a special guest of honour.

The immediate result from the conference was the delegation of the ten Directors-General of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to UNN in March 2018 on a fact-finding mission and to explore areas of possible collaboration”

To ensure synergy and sustainability, the Lion Science Park Board membership comprises top representatives of the government’s Ministry of Science and Technology, top industry players from the private sector and seasoned professors from the academia. The Lion Science Park Board practically demonstrates the triple helix model.

The board members express enthusiasm:

Engr. (Dr.) Emeka Okwuosa, the 1st Vice Chairman of the Board said “I am happy that this is happening in Nigeria. This is what we need at this time; providing high quality research output for home-grown solutions to the problems of industries and businesses in Nigeria. I am pleased to be part of such an economic transformation initiative geared towards capacity building and national development which Oilserv Group is known for. We shall continue to support this noble cause for the efficient and effective actualization and commercialization of the project”.

“First it was the West Africa’s first University-embedded technology Hub and now it’s Africa’s first university-led science park at the University of Nigeria. This landmark is laudable and shows that Lion Science Park at UNN is truly the home for Innovation” stated Engr. Charles Emembolu”

Mr. Emeka Ugwuoju, the 2nd Vice Chairman of the Board said “I am very excited about the Lion Science Park, where the academia meets the private sector for collaborative effort for the rapid industrialization of Nigeria”.

“Being in the innovation business for 35 years in Sweden, the speed of what’s happening now with Lion Science Park is impressive. I am proud to be a board member of this crucial thing happening in Nigeria” said Dr. Sven-Thore Holm, the founder of Ideon Science Park, Sweden.

“It was a successful meeting, with very high expectations for the Science, Technology and Innovation System in Nigeria. What I saw at Roar Nigeria Incubator only reminds me of what I saw in Shanghai recently” said Mr. Anpe Fut, a board member representing the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.

“This is a revolution for the future, Roar Nigeria Technology Incubator already has 12 startups working on great ideas across sectors and a lot more applications for our incubation program are received daily.  It should be pointed out that Lion Science Park is already globally recognized as a member of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) and also has tenant companies such Huawei Technologies: Huawei Authorised Information and Network Academy (HAINA) and Mirai Denchi. HAINA trains certified candidates on Huawei Technologies and so far, a number of students and staff of the university are already certified through this program” said Chinwe Okoli, the manager of Lion Science Park.

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

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How To Identify Someone’s True Personality

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There are times when you begin to observe somebody in your neighborhood, office, church or place of business. It might be someone you are beginning to like or someone you have interest in. 

If it is any those reasons then you are likely to observe and decipher the person’s personality. However, here are some of the clues or things you need to look out for: 

Observe the way they treat common people out there, e.g. Beggars, homeless people, waitress, cleaners etc. You can use this to measure their level of sympathy and empathy.

How do they talk about other people, do they mock, belittle and gossip about them? Such people cannot be trusted.

During difficulties and challenges in life, observe their behaviour. Are they calm or do they let their emotion overwhelm them? It’s either the person has the confidence or lacks confidence.

Anytime you are having a conversation with them: can they maintain eye contact or do they avoid eye contact?

Do you have a friend that remembers you only anytime he or she needs your assistance? It is a sign that the person doesn’t value a deep relationship and he or she is just using you.


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Meet 19-year old Ebube Rebecca Okeke UniLokoja Best Graduating Student – Economics

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  • In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give?  – Ebube

BY: Sandra Ani

Nineteen year-old (19) Ebube Rebecca Okeke has emerged the Best Graduating Students (Department of Economic) and Best Graduating Student from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences with a CGPA of 4:71, at the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State.

She attributed the feat to the mentorship by her mother, hard-work and prayers, stressing that she learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment.

GrassRoots.ng has a chat with Ebube…enjoy the dialogue

Ebube Rebecca Okeke on her graduation day

Can we meet you

My name is Ebube Rebecca Okeke, a graduate of Economics from Federal University Lokoja. I am 19 years old and I hail from Enugu State; Isi-Uzo Local Government Area to be precise.

Tell us about this big win of yours

To the glory of God; I emerged the Best graduating student from the Department of Economics and the Best graduating student from the Faculty of Arts and Social sciences with a CGPA of 4:71.

I particularly want to thank God for the grace, wisdom and strength. I also want to specially appreciate my mom; my best friend, mentor, role model and teacher. She thought me the value of hard-work, goal setting and goal getting. I’m grateful mom. To all of my lecturers, the entire staff of federal university Lokoja, my friends and family, Thank you for the support

I started this journey in the year 2015 and made straight A’s with a GP of 5.00 during my first semester in the university. That semester was tough and amazing. I learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment I found myself and how to make proper and beneficial decisions. I learnt the importance of relationships and diligence too.  I made some pretty amazing friends, not just with students alone but with lecturers too and I’m grateful.

Every success story has bumps, but with the help of God, my family and friends I overcame. To everyone reading this, in which ever field you might be in you’ll definitely encounter challenges but don’t let it stop you, keep pushing.

Ebube Rebecca Okeke – brain + beauty

To every student, read like it all depends on you, pray like it all depends on God and get a skill or develop your passion. Improve yourself mentally and other wise.  The world’s changing, you should too.

How was it like growing up

I had an amazing child hood; went to the best primary and secondary schools; Spring Nursery and Primary school and Harmony Secondary school. Mom was very strict about the kind of movies and TV shows I watched; my social media activities and all that. It was annoying then, but now I’m grateful

Was there a time when teachers or mom had to force you to read?

Teachers; No.  Mom; No. She basically just encouraged me, advised me and helped me through it. She was my lesson teacher. We did all my assignments together. During my undergraduate days, there were courses I didn’t really understand like Philosophy, Mom would read them and make notes/summaries for me.

In this era, some students believe it’s all about sorting, how can one stand out?

In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give? Be diligent, don’t give the lecturers to put a negative tab on you. Attend classes, write all of your tests and assignments and submit on due dates

Reward for working hard

What’s your next plan?

To begin the real journey towards greatness. To start living and working towards my dreams and make impacts.

Congratulation, Ebube.

Thank you so much for this great opportunity and the feature.

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Reps member donates 200-seater e-library to UNN

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BY: Ikenna Oluka

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has inaugurated a 200-seater e-library furnished and donated to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) by the member, representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu.

Inaugurating the e-library, Gov. Ugwuanyi commended Hon. Asadu for the bold initiative aimed at improving the standard of education in the university.

The e-library, which is located at Professor Paul Akubue Building, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, comprises 200 computers fully installed with internet facilities and office furniture.

Speaking at the event, the Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. A.A Attamah described the donation as “marvelous” and “unexpected”, adding the gesture has uplifted the university’s quest for educational excellence.

Governor Ugwuanyi commissioned the e-library

In his remark, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Patrick Uchenna Okpoko, thanked the parliamentarian for “the wonderful gesture”, commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for his good works in the state.

Shortly after the event, Hon. Asadu was honoured with a grand reception by his community, Ovoko in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area alongside the member representing Igbo-Eze South Constituency, Hon. Emeka Madu.

The reception, which was attended by Gov. Ugwuanyi and other dignitaries, according to the people of Ovoko, was in recognition of the numerous contributions of their two illustrious sons towards the development of their community, the state and the country.

The community also honoured Gov. Ugwuanyi for his support and participations of their sons in active politics and further to confer on him a chieftaincy title of “Ebubedike of Ovoko”.

Speaking, Dr. Pat Asadu, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a worthy leader and great achiever with human-milk of kindness, whose positive disposition cuts across all segments of humanity.

A section of the e-libary

He said the governor has “done so well in office and has positively transformed politics in this state”, uniting people and communities that have had issues in the past, such as Ovoko and Ibagwa-Aka after many years of enmity, “courtesy of your humility and forthrightness”.

He assured Ugwuanyi of the continued loyalty and support of his people even after he leaves office as the governor and prayed for God’s unflinching protection for him and his family.

Also speaking, Hon. Madu who extolled Gov. Ugwuanyi’s leadership qualities and the fatherly role he has played in his life stated that the governor has brought smiles to the people of the area through his infrastructural development and human empowerment programme, stressing that “today’s ceremony is a clear manifestation of His Excellency’s noble achievements.

“You have brought smiles to the people of Ovoko in particular and Igbo-Eze South in general. Without you we wouldn’t have been here. Your humility, Godly devotion, peace and infrastructural development are unprecedented and worthy of commendation”, Hon. Madu said.

In his speech, Bishop of Enugu North Diocese (Anglican Communion) Rt. Rev. Sosthenes Eze, applauded the governor for entrenching peace and good governance in the state, maintaining that his peace initiative and paradigm shift in developing the rural areas are commendable and unprecedented.

“Your Excellency, your approach to peace and security and your massive infrastructural developments especially in the rural areas, speak volume. We pray God to continue to bless you and your unrelenting efforts to take Enugu State to greater heights.

Earlier, the council chairman, Hon. Dr. Fidelis Odo, disclosed that the governor’s recruitment of forest guards and members of the neighbourhood watch groups has given succor to many families and provided security to the people of the state.

He thanked the governor for making it possible for two of their illustrious sons to represent them at both National and State Assemblies, pointing out that many of their people have been appointed into government by the present administration in the state.

Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi thanked them for the reception and reiterated his unalloyed commitment towards serving the people of the state irrespective of political, religious or social affiliation.

He solicited their continued prayers and thanked them for honouring him with a chieftaincy title.

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