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SCIENCOON Science Festival - "Emerge and Thrive: Integrating Nigerian Heritage in Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Agriculture"


SCIENCOON, the Federal University of Technology Akure’s premier science club, successfully hosted its annual science festival, themed “Emerge and Thrive: Integrating Nigerian Heritage in Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Agriculture.”
The event fused academic brilliance with cultural pride, inspiring students to lead in science while honoring their Nigerian roots. Held at FUTA, the festival attracted a large audience of students, faculty, and esteemed speakers, offering a dynamic platform for discussions at the crossroads of science, culture, and innovation.
 
Amb. Segun, SCIENCOON’s founding president, kicked off the festival with an inspiring speech. He reflected on the club's mission to foster scientific excellence and collaboration among students to create solutions for societal challenges. He emphasized that SCIENCOON aims to become Nigeria's largest hub for innovative thinkers, striving to merge academic prowess with cultural awareness. The festival's theme, “Emerge and Thrive,” he said, embodies this mission, pushing students to not only excel scientifically but also incorporate cultural values into leadership and problem-solving.

Spoken Word Performance by Oluwadunsi Omotayo
The festival’s mood was elevated with a stirring spoken word performance by FUTA student Oluwadunsi Omotayo, whose piece received enthusiastic applause, setting a vibrant tone for the day’s activities.

Keynote Lecture by Dr. Elekofehinti: The Role of Bioinformatics in Drug Discovery
Dr. Elekofehinti, an expert in pharmacology, delivered a compelling lecture on the transformative role of bioinformatics in drug discovery. He explained how bioinformatics tools streamline the drug research process by analyzing vast datasets to identify potential drug targets, leading to more efficient and cost-effective drug development. His insights into molecular identification and predictive modeling captivated the audience, especially as he highlighted the future career opportunities in bioinformatics.

Interactive Kahoot Session
The festival took an interactive turn with a lively Kahoot quiz, organized by the Impact Leaders Club. Students competed with enthusiasm, with Blessing, a 500-level Microbiology student, emerging as the champion. The competitive spirit added a fun, engaging twist to the festival.

Panel Discussion: Fostering Innovation through Nigerian Heritage
A highlight of the festival was the panel discussion moderated by Tolulope Ajayi, featuring experts like Esedere Abraham, Dr. Macaulay, Professor Badejo, Olufemi Akinola, and Miss Nnena Solomon. The discussion focused on harnessing Nigerian heritage to drive innovation. Esedere Abraham, a tech entrepreneur, spoke on the value of integrating traditional knowledge into modern technologies to create locally relevant solutions.

Dr. Macaulay emphasized the importance of self-reliance in innovation, encouraging the audience to draw from Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy.
Olufemi Akinola presented a compelling argument on how cultural tools and values can be harnessed to improve the leadership skills of young Nigerians.
Miss Nnena Solomon discussed how Nigerian heritage can be utilized as a brand identity to attract both local and international customers. She shared examples from her entrepreneurial experience, illustrating the benefits of aligning products or services with Nigerian culture for broader market appeal.

Professor Badejo gave insights on how Nigerian heritage can shape leadership and technological advancements leaving the audience optimistic about the country’s future.
Innovation Pitch Presentations and Competitions
Students took center stage, presenting innovative projects that reflected creativity and critical thinking. Their pitches were met with admiration from the panel and audience alike, showcasing FUTA’s talent pool. A "Best Dressed" competition added a cultural flair to the day, with students proudly donning traditional attire, reinforcing the event’s theme of merging culture with innovation.

Healthy Series 2.0 by Pioneer Medical Initiative
The Pioneer Medical Initiative presented Healthy Series 2.0, focusing on advancing public health research and practical tips for healthier living. The session was both informative and empowering, offering students actionable steps towards improved well-being.
Keynote Lecture by Prof. Ganiyu Oboh: Cultural Heritage and National Development
Prof. Ganiyu Oboh’s lecture stressed the critical role of cultural heritage in sustainable national development. He argued that tailoring innovation to Nigeria’s unique environmental and cultural contexts would lead to more impactful and enduring solutions. His speech resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the festival’s core message.

Closing Remarks by SCIENCOON President Anoro Emmanuel
SCIENCOON President Anoro Emmanuel brought the event to a close with heartfelt gratitude to all participants, emphasizing that “Emerge and Thrive” was not just a theme, but a call to action. He urged attendees to continue embracing the fusion of science and culture, emerging as leaders who will thrive in shaping Nigeria’s future.
This year's festival served as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies in the intersection of heritage and innovation, inspiring students to push boundaries while staying true to their cultural roots.