By Yusuf Zurmi
The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT, Minna) has successfully hosted the 5th International Conference, SETIC 2024 organized by the School of Environmental Technology (SET). Themed “Global Economic Revolution and the Resilience of the Built Environment in an Emerging World,” the event took place on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the School of Environmental Lecture Theatre, Main Campus, Gidan Kwano.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, in a message delivered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Engr. Prof. Abdullahi Mohammed, commended the School of Environmental Technology for organizing the conference and welcomed participants from outside the University. He expressed confidence that the discussions, research presentations, and collaborations at the conference would generate fresh ideas and practical strategies to strengthen the resilience of the built environment amidst an evolving global economy.
The keynote address, delivered by Prof. Joseph Kamuzhanje from Zimbabwe, emphasized that planners and development stakeholders must address emerging challenges in urban spaces. He noted that many planning processes are not data-driven, making it difficult to create sustainable urban environments, particularly for underprivileged populations. He also highlighted the importance of viewing urban spaces as economic spaces and urged local authorities to adopt a private-sector approach in urban management.
Earlier, the Dean of the School of Environmental Technology, Prof. Olurotimi A. Kemiki, expressed pride in hosting a conference that brought together experts, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world. He expressed optimism that the event would significantly contribute to efforts to strengthen the role of the built environment in responding to global economic changes.
During the event, 17 distinguished individuals from both within and outside Nigeria were honored with awards of excellence for their significant contributions to the advancement of Environmental Technology.
Photo Credit: Elijah Yisa