Technology Park & Incubation Centre (Tech-PIC)

IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING POTENTIAL IN YOUTH BROUGHT TO THE FORE AT MORE THAN CERTIFICATE 4.0

The Overseeing officer, Engineering Material Development Institute (EDMI), Akure, Mrs. Fausat Olumide has said that when young people are empowered to reach their potential, they are properly positioned to contribute more effectively to their families, communities, and society at large. She stated this at the at the 2024 edition of "More Than Certificate" programme of the technology park and incubation centre, FUTA, held on Thursday, 19th September 2024, at the T. I. Francis Auditorium.

Speaking on the topic Unleashing potentials: Empowering tomorrow's leaders, Mrs. Fausat said “The first step in unleashing potential is the ability to recognize it. This requires a shift in perspective. Often, we judge people by their current state, their present abilities, or their past achievements. However, potential asks us to look beyond the now and see what could be. It is the visionary ability to see a student struggling with math as a future engineer, a shy teenager as a compelling public speaker, or a community facing challenges as a hub of innovation and growth.” She said the ripple effects of unleashed potential extend far beyond individual success as they become leaders, innovators, and change-makers who drive progress and inspire others to do the same. She said “more recently in the younger generation, we have seen potential in the likes of Malala Yousafzai, Tunde Onakoya and Pelumi Nubi. Their success is evidence to what can happen when potential is recognized, nurtured, and unleashed. Nurturing potential must foster a sense of responsibility. It also must challenge traditional models of education, embrace new methodologies and technologies that make learning more engaging and relevant. It must prioritize inclusivity while ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, has access to quality education. This means addressing disparities and breaking down barriers that hinder access to learning.” The guest speaker said, “The ability to recognize potential is just the beginning of unleashing potential; nurturing it is where the real work lies. Nurturing potential involves creating an environment that encourages exploration, learning, and growth. Nurturing potential means providing resources, support, and opportunities for individuals to develop their abilities and pursue their passions.” Conclusively she pointed out that “As we look to the future, we should realize the task of empowering tomorrow’s leaders is both a tremendous responsibility and an incredible opportunity. By investing in education, fostering mentorship, encouraging innovation, promoting civic engagement, building supportive infrastructures, and leveraging technology, we can create a world where potential is not just recognized but fully realized.” In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji said “Technology fair, in FUTA, is a core component of our mandate. This University was established alongside other universities of technology in Nigeria to jumpstart industrial transformation of the nation. We are expected to engage in cutting-edging research that would accelerate the growth and development of our nation, and also produce students who would be job creators rather than job seekers.” The Vice Chancellor said “The Technology Park and Incubation Centre (Tech-PIC) aims at facilitating and stimulating innovations for rapid local and global industrialization with leading products and services through sponsored research, industry-academia linkages, and state-of-the-art industrial park. Tech-PIC, FUTA partners with researchers, students, and technology- oriented stakeholders to take research from the laboratory to the industry, as well as take product challenges from the industries to the laboratories for solutions.” Professor Oladiji thanked the leadership of Tech-PIC for sustaining the laudable programme and hoped that it would go beyond an annual ritual of filling the calendar with a programme to bringing about impactful innovations on the society. In his address, the Director, FUTA TECH-PIC, Professor Obafemi Olubanjo said “The journey to unleashing potential begins with self-discovery and continuous learning, understanding your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. While in rapidly changing world continuous learning is imperative. The knowledge and skills acquired today may become obsolete tomorrow. Therefore, it is important to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. The path to realizing potential is rarely smooth. We will face obstacles, setbacks, and failures. However, it is resilience and adaptability that will define success. Learn from failure, adapt to new circumstances, and persevere through difficulties.” There was a pitch presentation, and innovations were displayed, Team seven times bliss-an energy beverage invention came first, Team Monitro, a health monitoring device invention came second and Team Smart Flame came third. The event was attended by representatives from Federal Ministry of Labour Employment and GIZ Nigeria and students from secondary schools in Akure.