RSU Lecturer Unveils Research Innovation On Soap Production

A professor of Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering at the Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, Prof. Chukwuemeka Peter Ukpaka, has unveiled a research innovation that uses waste from sawdust mill to produce varieties of soap and Grease.

Prof. Ukpaka made exposures while presenting his inaugural lecture titled “Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering: The monumental Discoveries and Innovations for National Development” during the 107th inaugural lecture series of the university held at the institution’s auditorium, recently.

The university don said that the lecture centered on  discoveries and innovations using what is considered as waste and how such waste can be converted for human utilization for national development.

He pointed out that the discovery of how to use waste from sawdust mill for soap production in the state through his research has led to economic demand for sawdust mill in the state.

“Vice Chancellor, Sir, this is the 107th inaugural lecture of this great university and as a professor of Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering, my contributions to the field of  engineering is the processing of waste materials discharged into the environment to useful products for national development.

“The raw materials used in these discoveries , which ordinarily are classified as wastes, were further converted into desired products for human utilization and national development. It is important to note that the more the wastes in the environment are harnessed for national development, the more the people will rejoice over job creation and opportunity for employment”

“As stated, these wastes are usually discharged into environment, constituting great environmental burden and hazards. Typically, these wastes are agro-based materials, chemicals, petrochemicals. Some of the agro-based materials are useful to soil environment, whereas, the chemical and petrochemical wastes are harmful to the soil and water environment,” he stated.

The erudite scholar recommended  among others, that the state government should collaborate with the state university in the areas of their interest for research that can enhance development of the state by using the basic raw materials available within the state.

He specifically urged the State government to apply processes that can be converting waste into wealth as well as for job creation, revenue generation, and ensure that the products obtained are found useful for human utilization and existence.

Earlier in his speech, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, who was elated with the lecture, commended the lecturer for the impactful  lecture, adding that he has demonstrated academic integrity, honesty and excellence.

Okogbule noted that the university didn’t make mistakes to appoint Ukpaka a professor, assuring  that the university will partner with him to establish soap factory in the university for economic benefits of the society and the university in particular.

Akujobi Amadi