By CHIEDU UCHE OKOYE

Anambra State Polytechnic (ANSPOLY), Mgbakwu, has hosted its 5th International Multi-Disciplinary Hybrid Conference with the theme, “Harnessing Emerging Technologies For Sustainable Economic Transformation: Shaping The Future Of Education, Industry, and Society”.

The event, which took place at the school's multi-purpose hall, lasted from September 23-25, and attracted scholars, who has aptitude for science education, from different educational institutions in Nigeria.

Speaking during the event, the chairman of the local organizing committee for the conference, Comrade Anthony Obiesili, emphasized the need for the institution to produce graduates who would contribute meaningfully to the development of our society.

"As a polytechnic committed to technological, vocational and entrepreneurial education, Anambra State Polytechnic occupies a strategic position in this conversation.

"We have a responsibility to produce graduates who are not merely certificate holders but innovative thinkers, problem solvers, entrepreneurs, and technologically competent citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of our society," Obiesili said.

And one of the special guests at the event, Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, who is the mayor of Aguata, stated that the theme of the conference was topical while noting the implication of mankind's stratospheric technological and scientific advancement.

"The theme of the conference is topical and engaging. But I would like us to know that the world will leave us behind if we don't pay attention to technology.

"And now, across the world, people are losing their jobs as machines are taking over the jobs performed by human beings," Ofobuike said.

More so, the chairman of the conference, Dr. Chika Muomife, stated that ANSPOLY's continued hosting of the event, annually, was a reflection and demonstration of its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, research, and societal development.

In addition, the Anambra state commissioner for education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, who sent a representative to the conference, revealed that the state government had a plan to transform the institution, positively, so as to bring it at par with other well-known tertiary institutions in the country.

In her own remarks, the Acting Rector of ANSPOLY, Dr. Njideka Chiekezie, listed the giant strides the institution had recorded, so far.

"ANSPOLY is technologically efficient. We've series of technics. On our own, we are doing a lot. We design bedsheets, we have agro-fabricating machines, and we've seven acquisition centres,' Chiekezie said.

During the occasion, the institution's PRO, Mrs. Tonia Akunnia Umennaka, read the citation of the keynote speaker, Prof. Osita Chiaghanam; and that of another speaker, Prof. Chuka Nwoye whose presentations and teachings elicited questions and comments from the participants.

As the event was winding to an end, awards were given to some personages who had made significant contributions in diverse areas for the betterment of our society. Among the awardees were Igwe Dr. Chukwuemeka Ilouno, Eze Dunu na Ifite-dunu; Igwe Godwin Ogo Ezeilo, the traditional ruler of Nanka; Igwe Chuka Ameke, the Igwe of ANSPOLY; Chief Chibueze Ofobuike, the mayor of Aguata; and Chief Innocent Obele.

Chiedu Uche Okoye is of the Anambra state ministry of information.