Renowned Brazilian Chemical Scientist, Mr. Gerson Parreira Silva, has encouraged students of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and allied disciplines at the University of Lagos to strategically position themselves for the next Industrial Revolution.
He gave the charge on Monday, December 18, 2023 as Guest Speaker at the Vitafoam Polyurethane Seminar, which took place at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, University of Lagos.
Mr. Silva, who is globally respected for his expertise in Polyurethane (PU) Systems, spoke on the theme, Polyurethane in Practice: The Science and Business.
Taking the audience on a historical journey, the Guest Speaker detailed the discovery Polyurethane in 1937, its commercial application in 1952, and its increasing utility in the world, which has seen it grow to a global market value of approximately $78 billion.
He emphasized the significance of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) in the upcoming industrial revolution, and urged the students to position themselves for it.
“I charge you to quickly identify where in that evolution you will focus your education and energy,” he said, underlining the pivotal role they will play in shaping the future of their country.
Mr. Silva, who highlighted the importance of Chemistry in technology and industrialization, challenged the students to contemplate the role of the Chemist in the extraction, utilization, and governance of their country’s natural resources. He stressed the need for continuous learning, stating that “Research is the missing link between the rules of Chemistry and Natural Resources.”
“The solution to how well your country adapts to the emerging industrial revolution is in your brains,” Mr. Silva remarked. He challenged the students to engage with the science of renewable resources and perfect the art of recycling in the face of challenges posed by a growing population and depleting resources.
The seminar further featured presentations by key members of the Vitafoam Group of Companies, who shed light on Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) opportunities in Polyurethane. Mr. Joseph Musa, Mr. Kehinde Akintayo, and Mr. Ola Ogunfeyitimi encouraged students, faculty, and members of the academia to explore the myriad possibilities within the uses and applications of Polyurethane.
In his welcome address, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, Managing Director of the Vitafoam Group, emphasized the commitment of his company to Industry-Academia collaboration as a catalyst for national development.
Prof. Bola Oboh, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), who represented the Vice-Chancellor at the event, declared the seminar open. She affirmed that the seminar as “solidifying the University’s ongoing relationship with the Vitafoam Group, which has proven to be a consistent and reliable corporate partner”.
A number of dignitaries were present at the event, some of which include the Husband of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Segun Ogunsola, FCA; Chairman of the Board of Directors, Vitafoam Group, Prof. Rosemary Egonmwam; and former Registrar of the University of Lagos, Dr. (Mrs) Taiwo Ipaye, FNIM.
