By Amaechi Agbo

The Vice-Chancellor, Imo State University (IMSU), Professor Uche Chukwumaeze has underscored the importance of research in the socioeconomic development of nations.The erudite scholar noted that there would be no development and civilization without research.

Prof Chukwumaeze stated this while declaring open the two-day 4th International Conference, Merit Awards and Induction Ceremony of the Association of Management and Social Sciences Researchers of Nigeria (AMSSRN) holding at the University’s Auditorium, on Wednesday.

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor underscored the importance of research in reshaping humanity and urged the association to encourage group research in order to enhance mentorship

“We thank God that this Association exists which is in recognition of the fact that research is the hallmark of development. Without research, there will not be civilization, it is key to the economic recovery of any nation.

“When research goes to the area of the economy, you will understand the importance of Management and Social Sciences in our society

“The meaning of what you are doing here in our university is that you are interested in the development of this country. I will add that by the time you conclude your conference, that you should push for the encouragement of the need for group research. Oftentimes, individual research don’t acheieve the expected goal. There is enough resources for group research such that the professors will mentor the younger ones,” the VC said.

The Vice-Chancellor who is a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pleaded with the State Governor to support research and encourage indeginous researchers to grow by supporting them.

“It’s on this note that I want to plead to the Accountant General to carry the message to His Excellency, that we need encouragement especially on the group research. And when the State Government wants to embark on any project, this university and the association are ready to lead the research. The idea that international bodies should come and do research here and there, sometimes you realize that the answer lies within us. We have professionals who can do these researches and submit findings to the government,” he stated.

In her opening speech, AMSSRN President, Prof Uche Lucy Onyekwelu, thanked the management of the University for their hospitality and support stressing that the association will work collaboratively with the management in reshaping society through research.

She examined the key mandates of the association and advocated for effective synergy between the gown and the town in order to reconfigure Nigeria’s socioeconomic potentials and upshoot her academic trajectory

“Let me on behalf of the Executive Board of AMSSRN, Express our gratitude to the educational friendly Governor, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma for his strides in advancement of scholarship in Imo State. To our host and father, the Vice-Chancellor of this great university, Professor Chukwumaeze, for your commitment in promoting research, which is one of the core mandates of the University. You didn’t only welcome us into your university, but you also made our stay here hospitable. You provided all we needed for conducive interface and made time available to be with us when we paid you and your management a courtesy visit. We are greatly honoured, Prof.

“This year’s conference is not only a scholarly gathering but also a celebration of our shared commitment to excellence and resilience in research, scholarship and mentorship. In addition to robust academic deliberations, this occasion features the induction of new members and the conferment of AMSSRN’S Distinguished Personality Awards on a selected few individuals whose contributions to Good Governance, Educational /Human Capital Development, Research, and Scholarship have been exemplary and resonates with AMSSRN visions. We congratulate all inductees and awardees, whose untiring sacrifices and unwavering dedication to philanthropy have merited the recognitions.
“Permit me to emphasize that the tripod of Research, Scholarship and Mentorship forms the bedrock of AMSSRN’s vision. We in the association believe and have been running an advocacy to affirm that ‘Research without Mentorship lacks Continuity’, Scholarship without research lacks substance, and mentorship without scholarship lacks direction.

“Our vision is to strategically connect the gown and the town ensuring that the intellectual outputs of our scholars directly inform industry practices, government policies, and societal transformation,” she said.

Speaking on the theme of the Conference, “Integrating Digital Innovation for Research and Development: Issues, Challenges and Strategies” the Keynote Speaker, Mr Justice Okoye challenged researchers and students to leverage on the evolution of scientific discoveries to improve on their professions.
Mr Okoye who is also the Chairman, Imo State Internal Revenue Services, opined that research is at the heart of human capital and educational advancement and thanked AMSSRN for their commitment in that regard.

On his part, the Guest Lecturer and Accountant General of Imo State, Dr Linus Okoye charged the participants on the deployment of artificial intelligence in resource management. While expanciating on the gains of AI, Dr Okoye who stood in for the State Governor, warned the participants against making AI their master.

Highlights of the first day of the 4th International Conference which ends today in IMSU, Owerri were confirmenent of different awards to deserving individuals as well as induction of new members into the various ranks of the association

Day two of the conference will witness paper presentations.

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