Toki Mabogunje, president of, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has reiterated the need to promote innovation, scientific and technological developments to drive economic growth in Nigeria.
She said that in promoting science and technology, it is necessary to start from the grassroots with students in schools and tertiary institutions so they can develop a keen interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and other related activities.
Mabogunje mentioned this during the official presentation of 3D printers to tertiary institutions in Lagos state by the LCCI’s Science, Energy & Technology Committee on Wednesday. She said that equipping educational academies and students with necessities will serve as a boost for the learning process with the use of practical and firsthand experience.
“3D printing offers numerous benefits to the educational sector; these benefits include improving the students learning process as well as improving the teaching capabilities of the teacher,” she said. Beneficiaries of the donations are the engineering departments of the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Lagos State Polytechnic, and Yaba College of Technology. Donors of the 3D printers were Mikano International Limited, Universal Power Systems Nigeria Ltd, and Kawai Technologies Ltd
Mabogunje urged the leadership of the beneficiaries to ensure that the 3D printers are made available to the students for in-depth practice and understanding of its functions. She revealed that subsequently, training programs will be held to train students on how to use the printers.
Akinbo Akin-Olugbade, MD of Kawai Technologies Ltd in his remarks said, 3D printing technology critically influences manufacturing and production globally, therefore it should be given adequate attention. Akin-Olugbade who doubles as the Chairman, LCCI Power Sector Group and was represented by Olamide Benson, executive assistant, Kawai Technologies said “the introduction of a 3D printer into classrooms will lead to enhanced creativity, new learning opportunities, and greater student engagements.”
Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Vice-chancellor, the University of Lagos who was represented by Grace Otinwa Director, Quality Assurance and SERVICOM, the University of Lagos as a beneficiary extended his appreciation to the chamber, noting that it is timely and resourceful, adding that it will improve the quality of both teaching and learning in the institutions.
The 3D technology development program of the LCCI kicked off in April with a webinar themed “3D technology; an emerging business revolution” where Awareness was created on the value of 3D technology, particularly at the critical stage of Nigeria’s economy and the roles it can play across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
