INTRODUCTION
The 5th annual symposium of American Chemical Society (ACS), Nigeria International Sciences Chapter (Sokoto 2020), with the theme: “Chemistry: A viable tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals” was held from 1st – 4th March, 2020 at the Auditorium (Red Carpet), Sokoto State University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEES
Members of the LOC were drawn from the five (5) co-hosting institutions. They are:
- 1. Prof L. G. Hassan, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Chairman
- 2. Prof. Ahmad Uba, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Member
- 3. Prof. A. B. Muhammad, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Member
- 4. Dr Muhammad Sirajo, Sokoto State University – Member
- 5. Dr Mansur Ibrahim Yahaya, Sokoto State University – Member
- 6. Dr Misbahu L. Mohammed, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Member
- 7. Dr Ahmad Galadima, Federal University, Gusau – Member
- 8. Prof. K. J. Umar, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi – Member
- 9. Farouk Usman, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi – Member
- 10. Dr Yakubu Yahaya, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero – Member
- 11. Dr Ibrahim Garba Wawata, Kebbi State University of Sci. and Tech., Aliero – Member
- 12. Dr Thompson Izuagie, Sokoto State University – Member/Secretary
Scientific Sub-Committee
- 1. Dr Misbahu L. Muhammad, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Chairman
- 2. Dr Ahmad Galadima, Federal University, Gusau – Member
- 3. Dr H. E. Mshelia, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Member
- 4. Dr Farouk Usman, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi – Member
- 5. Dr N. Almustapha, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Member
- 6. Dr Abdullahi Isah, Umar Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto – Member
- 7. Dr Thompson Izuagie – Secretary
Finance Sub-Committee
- 1. Prof. Ahmad Uba, Sokoto State University – Chairman
- 2. HOD, Chemistry, UDUS – Member
- 3. Dr. A. M. Sokoto, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Member
- 4. Dr Muhammad Sirajo, Sokoto State University – Member
- 5. Dr. N. A. Sani, Federal University, Gusau – Member
- 6. Dr Yakubu Yahaya, Kebbi State University of Science and Tech., Aliero – Member
- 7. HOD, Chemistry, Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto – Member
- 8. HOD, Chemistry, Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto – Member
- 9. Mal. I. S. Dogonyaro, Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto – Member
- 10. Dr. Zainab Adiya, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Member
- 11. Malama Hafsat Bature, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Member
- 12. Dr Mansur Ibrahim Yahaya, Sokoto State University – Secretary
Publicity/Logistics/Entertainment Sub-Committee
- 1. Prof. A. B. Muhammad, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Chairman
- 2. Dr Ibrahim Garba Wawata, Kebbi State University of Science and Techn., Aliero – Member
- 3. Dr Mansur Ibrahim Yahaya, Sokoto State University – Member
- 4. Dr. Thompson Izuagie, Sokoto State University, Sokoto – Member
- 5. Dr Abdullahi Isah, Umar Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto – Member
- 6. Dr. Chika Muhammad, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Member
- 7. Mal. Shehu Umar, Umar Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto – Member
- 8. Malama Samira Rara, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Member
- 9. Zayyanu Shehu, Information Officer, Sokoto State University, Sokoto – Member
- 10. Mal. Yaquba Sahabi, Sokoto State University, Sokoto – Secretary
Transport/Accommodation/Venue/Security Sub-Committee
- 1. Dr Muhammad Sirajo, Sokoto State University – Chairman
- 2. Dr. K. J. Umar, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi – Member
- 3. Dr Abdulrahman Matawalle, Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto – Member
- 4. Umar A. Umar, Sokoto State University, Sokoto – Member
- 5. Bashir Chief Security Officer, Sokoto State University, Sokoto – Member
- 6. Mansur Alhassan, Sokoto State University, Sokoto – Secretary
3. OTHER VOLUNTEERS
In addition to members of the LOC, about 40 volunteers including staff and students assisted with registration, entertainment and other activities during the event.
4. PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
The symposium featured the following events/activities:
| Day | Activity |
| Day 1: Sunday, 1st March, 2020 | ∙ Arrival of Participants |
| Day 2: Monday, 2nd March, 2020 | ∙ Arrival and Registration ∙ Courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Sokoto State University, Sokoto ∙ Opening ceremony including keynote lecture and presentation of Awards ∙ Plenary Lecture 1 ∙ Poster Session ∙ Technical Session 1 ∙ Cocktail |
| Day 3: Tuesday, 3rd March, 2020 | ∙ Registration ∙ Plenary Lectures 2 and 3 ∙ Poster Session ∙ Technical Sessions 2, 3, and 4 ∙ Visits to Historic Sites ∙ Annual General Meeting |
| Day 4: Wednesday, 4th March, 2020 | ∙ Thank you Visit to Vice-Chancellor, Sokoto State University, Sokoto ∙ Departure |
5. PARTICIPANTS
Over 300 participants attended the symposium. These include about 200 registered participants, invited dignitaries from Sokoto State Government; Sultanate Council; Sokoto State Ministries of Higher Education, Basic and Secondary Education, and Science and Technical Education; Sokoto State Water Board; BUA Cement; Sokoto State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) office; Sokoto State College of Basic and Remedial Studies; Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; Federal University, Gusau; Umar Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto and over 100 student observers from both Sokoto State University and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The registered participants include:
ACS Nigeria Chapter Executive Committee Members – 4
Invited Speakers – 4
Non-members – 22
ACS Members – 48
Students – 113
6. PUBLICITY
Pre-, during- and post-event publicity were undertaking by the LOC. Pre-event publicity involved distribution of flyers, posters, and invitation cards/letters; radio talk shows on Vision and Garkuwa FM, Sokoto and jingles on radio and television. While during and post-event publicity included the newspapers (New Nigerian Newspaper, Daily times, Thisday, tribune, real news magazine), social media, radio (Vision and Garkuwa) and television (Rima TV and NTA).
7. SYMPOSIUM ACTIVITIES
A. Arrival and Opening Ceremony
The symposium began on Sunday, 1st March, 2020 with the arrival of participants. Day 2 (Monday, 2nd March, 2020) started with a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Sokoto State University, Sokoto at 9:30 am. This was followed by the opening ceremony which commenced at 10:00 am prompt with introduction of guests, followed by opening prayers; National Anthem; opening remarks by the Chief Host: Prof. S. M. Dangoggo, Vice-Chancellor, Sokoto State University, Sokoto; address by the Chair, ACS Nigeria Chapter, Prof. J. A. Obaleye and the Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Magaji Garba, FPSN, MAW, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Gusau. Other activities of the ceremony were Keynote lecture, by Prof. Bashir Garba, Hon. Commissioner for Higher Education, Sokoto; presentation of awards; goodwill messages; address by representative of His Excellency, Governor of Sokoto State; vote of thanks; closing prayers and group photographs.
B. Keynote and Plenary Lectures
A keynote lecture and three (3) plenary lectures held as follows:
1. Keynote Lecture: Chemistry: A viable tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals – Prof. Bashir Garba, Hon. Commissioner for Higher Education, Sokoto.
2. Plenary Lecture 1: Fundamental Studies of Polyoxometalates and their Applications in Catalysis – Dr. R. John Errington (Newcastle University, UK)
3. Plenary Lecture 2: Chemistry for Women Empowerment – Dr. Zaynab M. Chellube (University of Maiduguri, Borno State)
4. Plenary Lecture 3: The Role of Chemistry in Poverty Eradication and National Security – Prof. Saidu A. Shettima (Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State) represented by Prof. A. B. Muhammad (Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto).
C. Poster and Technical Sessions
Two (2) poster sessions were held during the symposium as follows
o Monday, 2nd March, 2020 @ 5:00 – 7:00 pm @ Old Library
o Monday, 3rd March, 2020 @ 10:40 – 11:00 am @ Old Library
Four technical sessions were held as follows
| Technical Session | Date and time |
| 1 | Monday, 2nd March, 2020 – 3:00pm – 4:30 pm |
| 2 | Tuesday, 3rd March, 2020 – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm |
| 3 | Tuesday, 3rd March, 2020 – 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
| 4 | Tuesday, 3rd March, 2020 – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
Parallel technical sessions held in the following groups:
A – Analytical and Environmental Chemistry (Auditorium, Red Carpet)
B – Agro, Food and Industrial Chemistry (Board Room, Department of Chemistry) C – Green and Nanochemistry (Board Room, Faculty of Science)
D – Inorganic, Organic, Physical and Chemistry Education (SBSLH 4)
E – Medicinal, Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (SBSLH 6)
D. 2020 ACS Nigeria Chapter Awards
ACS-NICS Chapter Awards were presented to three (3) corporate bodies and 7 personalities as follows:
| S/N | Individual/Organization | Award |
| 1. | His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, Governor of Sokoto State | Award of Excellence on Education and Youth Empowerment |
| 2. | Prof. A. A. Zuru, Former Vice-Chancellor, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto | Recognition for Development in the Chemical Sciences |
| 3. | Prof. M. K. Abubakar, Former Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Federal Republic of Nigeria | Recognition for Development in the Chemical Sciences |
| 4. | Prof. Bashir Garba, MFR, Hon. Commissioner for Higher Education, Sokoto State. | Recognition for Development in the Chemical Sciences |
| 5, | Prof. S. M. Dangoggo, Vice-Chancellor, Sokoto State University, Sokoto | Recognition for Development in the Chemical Sciences |
| 6. | Ahmad Modi, Technologist, Soil Chemistry Lab, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto | Recognition for Development in the Chemical Sciences |
| 7 | Dr. Lami A. Nnamonu, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State – Treasurer, ACS Nigeria Chapter (2015 – 2018) | Excellent Service Award |
| 8. | Sampson D. Umoh, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State – Assist. Sec. (2015 – 2018) | Excellent Service Award |
| 9. | BUA Cement, Sokoto | Recognition for Development in the Chemical Sciences |
| 10. | Sokoto State Water Board | Recognition for Development in the Chemical Sciences |
| 11. | Rima Foam, Sokoto | Recognition for Development in the Chemical Sciences |
E. Cocktail
A cocktail was organized on Monday, 2nd March, 2020 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The event, which held simultaneously with the 1st poster session was an opportunity for participants to interact and network.
F. Visit to Historical Sites in Sokoto:
Interested participants were taken on a visit to Waziri Junaidu History Bureau and Sultan Palace on Tuesday, 3rd of March, 2020. The visit was aimed at showcasing to participants some historic sites in Sokoto.
G. Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The symposium ended with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Chapter, where Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State was approved as the hosting institution for the 2021 series of the symposium.
8. FINANCE
The following is the summarized financial statement for the Symposium:
INCOME
| Donations/Contributions | NGN 2,348,000.00 |
| Registration (Early) | NGN 860,500.00 |
| Registration (onsite) | NGN 438,000.00 |
| Sales of Book of Abstract | NGN 6,000.00 |
| Certificate of Presentations (Additional authors) | NGN 105,000.00 |
| TOTAL INCOME | NGN 3, 757, 500.00 |
EXPENDITURE
| Printing of 200 flyers (during SAN) | NGN 16,000.00 |
| Printing of 200 flyers (for Nat. Chair) | NGN 16,000.00 |
| printing of 100 Posters (for Nat. Chair and HODs) | NGN 15,000.00 |
| printing of 200 Flyers (for HODs Chemistry) | NGN 16,000.00 |
| printing of 100 Posters (HODs) | NGN 15,000.00 |
| Postages (Stamps and Envelops) | NGN 21,200.00 |
| Postage to Prof. Mamza | NGN 1,500.00 |
| Data Subscription for LOC Secretary | NGN 12,000.00 |
| Money to Finance Sub-committee | NGN 40,000.00 |
| Invitation cards @50 per copy x 300 copies | NGN 15,000.00 |
| Envelops for IV | NGN 2,000.00 |
| Printing of 250 book of Abstract @ N1, 300 per copy | NGN 325,000.00 |
| Printing of 300 memo @ N16, 000 per 100 copies | NGN 48,000.00 |
| Roll up Banner | NGN 24,000.00 |
| Banner (12 x6) | NGN 16,000.00 |
| Banner (8×4) x 3 copies @ N6, 000 per copy | NGN 18,000.00 |
| Conference bags @ N3, 700 per copy x 100 copies | NGN 370,000.00 |
| Conference folder @ N300 per copy x 150 copies | NGN 45,000.00 |
| Programme @ 500 per copy x 100 copies | NGN 50,000.00 |
| Tags @ N100 per copy x 317 copies | NGN 31,700.00 |
| Tag ropes/pens | NGN 23,000.00 |
| Certificate of Attendance @ 100 x 269 | NGN 26,900.00 |
| Certificate of Presentation @ 100 x 294 | NGN 29,400.00 |
| Certificate of Recognition/Excellent Service @150 x 14 | NGN 2,100.00 |
| Certificates for 30 LOC Assistants @150 | NGN 4,500.00 |
| Transport expenses for distribution of letters, IV and appreciation letter | NGN 32,000.00 |
| Venues, decoration, repairs, toiletries, labourers, cleaners | NGN 321,250.00 |
| Entertainment (Opening ceremony refreshment, Tea break, lunch) | NGN 660,250.00 |
| Cocktail | NGN 124,950.00 |
| Police Band | NGN 35,000.00 |
| Booking of local flight for Dr. Errington | NGN 42,000.00 |
| Cost for Dr. Errington at Abuja (hotel, Airport TP, feeding) | NGN 46,000.00 |
| Refund for International travel expenses of Dr. Errington | NGN 300,937.50 |
| Refund and honorarium to Dr. Chellube | NGN 150,000.00 |
| Awards | NGN 148,500.00 |
| Gifts for Speakers/ACS Nigeria EXCO | NGN 46,000.00 |
| Feeding and Logistics at Villa | NGN 98,000.00 |
| Pictures and Video | NGN 55,500.00 |
| Flash for HE Speech | NGN 1,000.00 |
| Public Address system | NGN 10,000.00 |
| Journalists and Media coverage | NGN 140,000.00 |
| Batteries for Microphone + TP | NGN 3,000.00 |
| Airport fees | NGN 2,200.00 |
| Visits to History Bureau and Sultan Palace | NGN 21,000.00 |
| Stipend to ICT, Computer Operators, Reg. Off. And students’ assistants | NGN 73,000.00 |
| Refreshment for LOC | NGN 27,500.00 |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | NGN 3,521,387.50 |
| TOTAL BALANCE (TOTAL INCOME – TOTAL EXPENDITURE) | NGN 236,112.50 |
| AVALAIBLE BALANCE WITH LOC | NGN 155,612.50 |
| BALANCE CURRENTLY IN NATIONAL CHAPTER ACCOUNT | 80, 500.00 |
9. CONCLUSION AND APPRECIATION
The LOC wishes to thank the ACS Nigeria Chapter for the opportunity to host the 5th Annual Symposium in Sokoto. We are very grateful to the Vice-Chancellor of Sokoto State University for his tremendous support, which made the symposium a great success. We also appreciate the support of all our invited speakers. Finally, we thank all the sponsors including, Sokoto State Government, Sokoto State Ministry for Higher Education, Sokoto State University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Umar Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, School of Nursing, Sokoto, State College of Basic and Remedial Studies, Sokoto, Alh. Ahmadu Maidoya and Sons Ltd, Departments of Chemistry at Sokoto State University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Rima Foam, BUA Cement, Kebbi State Committee on Biofuels, Sokoto State Sustainable Development Goals office, Department of Pharmacognosy, UDUS.