The 2024 International Conference on Science, Health, and Technology (ICRESHET), held at the Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology, has drawn praise from participants for its focus on “Public Health, Innovation, and National Development: A Global Approach.”
Experts at the event commended Ekiti State Government’s proactive efforts in fostering dialogue on resilient health systems, economic sustainability, and technological innovation.
The College Provost,Dr. Cecilia Olajumoke Adebayo, delivered a stirring keynote address, asserting that a nation’s development rests on a foundation of public health. She highlighted the need for a shift toward public health strategies that emphasize equitable access to healthcare, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts across sectors.
Dr. Adebayo noted that such approaches are vital to driving economic growth and improving societal well-being.
On his part, Prof. Kehinde Oluwadiya, Chief Medical Director at the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals, emphasized the urgency of a global perspective in addressing health challenges.
He discussed the need for Countries to adopt integrated strategies that combine local insights with international expertise to effectively manage health crises and promote sustainable development.
Also speaking, Prof. Adekemi Oluyege of the Microbiology Department, Ekiti State University echoed similar sentiments, focusing on the role of cutting-edge research in tackling health disparities. She argued that investments in research and innovation are crucial for transforming the healthcare landscape, especially in low-resource settings, and for creating economic opportunities in health-related industries.
Commending organizers of the conference, the State Commissioner for Capacity Development and Training
Prof. Patrick Olugbenga Tedela, , stated that initiatives like ICRESHET are instrumental in addressing the health and technological needs of the nation. He reaffirmed Ekiti State’s commitment to becoming an innovation hub through projects such as the Knowledge Zone and Creative Tech Village, which aim to provide resources for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, respondents at the event also shared their views.
Participants including Mr. Igbokwe Davidson Obinna who praised the organizers for the programme’s focus on innovation and building a resilient economy, emphasized the need to modernize traditional approaches using current technologies. He noted that the training aimed to transform practices across various sectors, particularly through capacity building to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Obinna also highlighted sessions on artificial intelligence (AI), underscoring its role in managing pandemics and the necessity for countries to establish robust health systems to prevent future outbreaks.
Mrs. Oguniyi Rotimi, the Institution’s Director, Entrepreneurship expressed delight at the initiative of the Conference’ theme noting that it had inspired participants to incorporate new ideas into their educational methods. She highlighted the importance of the sessions on personal hygiene, particularly handwashing, in disease prevention, and stated that the insights gained would be integrated into the institution’s curriculum to enhance public health education.
Similarly, Dr. Ojo Bamikole Ayodeji, Head of Research, Innovation, and Development at the College, discussed the significance of the conference theme, which centered on public health challenges and the integration of technology in healthcare. He pointed to the advancement of technological innovations, such as wearable devices that can monitor vital signs like blood pressure and sugar levels, reducing the need for laboratory tests. Dr. Ayodeji emphasized that the conference aimed to showcase the crucial role of technology and innovation in transforming healthcare delivery.
The conference concluded with a call for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to reshape health sciences, STEM education and economic practices, setting the stage for a more prosperous and healthy society.
