Perceptions of Nanotechnology by Undergraduate Students in Some Nigerian Universities

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Date
2013Author
Ulaeto, S.B
Nnorom, I.C
Ite, A.E
Alisa, C.O
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Advances in nanotechnology has brought about development of cutting–edge technologies in various industries in
technologically developed countries. However, little is known about its risks and potential applications in the
developing countries around the world. This study investigates awareness, risk and benefit perceptions of
nanotechnology by undergraduate students from some universities in Nigeria. The undergraduate students’
perceptions and opinions about nanotechnology were elicited through a survey tool that comprise of 30 structured
questions. The study was carried out among 110 respondents from both public and private universities distributed
within the four geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The results showed that a greater percentage (62.3%) of respondents
had little to no understanding of the context or basic knowledge of nanotechnology and only (37.7%) of respondents
had basic knowledge of nanotechnology. Although a majority (77.4%) of respondents had some level of awareness
of the word ‘nanotechnology’, their perceptions of the risks and benefits associated with the technology was poor.
This study suggests that effective understanding of perceptions of nanotechnology by the undergraduate students is
critically important for realization of technological advances in a developing country like Nigeria.Therefore, there is
an urgent need to educate the future workforce about this emerging and rapidly growing field of nanotechnology and
its diverse applications.