Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Professor Banjamin Ozumba, former Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has urged governments at all levels and Nigerians in general to patronise made in Nigeria products and innovations.
Ozumba said this on Tuesday during a press conference as part of activities to mark his retirement from the university and his 70th birthday anniversary.
He said that patronising locally made goods and services would boost the economy of the country.
He said that during his tenure as Vice Chancellor of UNN, his administration established a science park, the first in the country.
According to him, series of innovations are being exhibited in the UNN science park but due to poor patronage from the government and individuals the park never functioned effectively.
Ozumba, who is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology disclosed that the science park was capable of producing more than the number of tractors that the Federal Government required for agriculture.
“The park was also capable of producing Laptops for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within agreed time,” he said.
He said that the science park was built by his administration without any subvention from government, adding that UNN was the first to build such park and put it to function in Nigeria.
“We are the brain behind the waste product that you see today in Nigeria and we built waste to energy first before the Geometric Energy in Aba.
“The science park I told you about; they gave money to the University more than 15 years before I came but they couldn’t complete it and we have it now in the university.
“Nobody gave me money to build the science park and I am happy that Innoson has established a tractor manufacturing plant there,” Ozumba said.
He added that the Nigerian government needs more than 80,000 tractors for Agriculture.
“The lion science park can produce as many tractors that Nigeria needs.
“We are the first University to have a science park in Africa and we are ready to do more and produce laptops for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“Lion laptops have international standard and they’re cheap,” he said.
He disclosed that his plan after the University was to contribute to the development of healthcare in Nigeria which he said has been in comatose due to poor selfless work.
He was optimistic that with the diaspora’s help, his team and doctors availability at the health center, that Nigerians would get free medical treatment.
“Primary healthcare has failed in Nigeria. If we have doctors visiting twice a week, the health facilities will be revived and people will continue visiting the health centers built across the state. I want to make those that can’t receive treatment because of finance get treatment freely and ensure that the voiceless people are heard,” he said.
