The developmental and advancement of engineering vis-à-vis scientific and technological research and development (R&D) has contributed immensely to sustainable development (SD) initiatives, but our future survival and development are hampered by this developmental and advancement mechanism. The threat posed by current engineering vis-à-vis scientific and technological practices is obvious, calling for a paradigm change that ensures engineering as well as scientific and technological practices are focused on SD initiatives. In order to promote sound practices that result in SD across all economic sectors, it is currently necessary to concentrate on ongoing sustainable engineering vis-à-vis scientific and technological education. Hence, this perspective review article will attempt to provide insight from Sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria to be specific) about how engineering vis-à-vis scientific and technological R&D should incorporate green technologies in order to ensure sustainability in the creation of innovations and practices and to promote SD and a green economy. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance as well as prospects and advancements of engineering vis-à-vis scientific and technological education from the in Sub-Saharan Africa context.

Higher education (HE) consists of both conventional and non-conventional methods of learning. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is a non-conventional system where teachers (often referred to as facilitators) are physically not present. The conduct of practical in engineering and science education using ODL remains a challenge due to inadequate technology and the dispersion of the students, which results in a graduate skills gap in ODL programs. There is a possibility of using a cloud computing set-up, as well as platforms for the creation of simulated virtual practical settings (virtual laboratories-VLs), which could be accessible by ODL engineering and science and education-based students notwithstanding their locations. This paper adds to existing knowledge on VLs and discusses these inadequacies in engineering and science education with emphasis on the enhancement of online and collaborative learning, as well as the possible laboratory (lab) requirements. In addition, the paper highlights contemporary trends and some issues in VLs and remote labs.

Ensuring access to quality education and career training is a crucial challenge, especially in developing nations. Vocational, scientific, technological, and engineering education are essential for active participation in any community and play a significant role in shaping life perspectives. The ability to sustain competitiveness depends on receiving high-quality vocational, scientific, technological, or engineering education and professional growth. These factors are vital for the long-term growth of prosperous economies and nation-building. Hence, this perspective review attempts to provide information on some contemporary pedagogies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) vis-à-vis scientific and engineering education in Nigeria. The study zooms into the challenges and possible solutions that will promote and enhance pedagogies in scientific and engineering education in Nigeria. The study adopted a perspective review approach in overviewing prior accessible studies (literatures) as well as a methodological framework. It is believed that this perspective review study will serve as a way forward for other developing nations.

Cysteine is one of the body’s essential amino acids to build proteins. For the early diagnosis of a number of diseases and biological issues, L-cysteine (L-Cys) is essential. Our study presents an electrochemical sensor that detects L-cysteine by immobilizing the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme on a reduced graphene oxide (GCE) modified glassy carbon electrode. The morphologies and chemical compositions of synthesized materials were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The modified electrode’s electrochemical behavior was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Cyclic voltammetry demonstrated HRP/rGO/GCE has better electrocatalytic activity than bare GCE in the oxidation of L-cysteine oxidation in a solution of acetate buffer. The electrochemical sensor had a broad linear range of 0 µM to 1 mM, a 0.32 µM detection limit, and a sensitivity of 6.08 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻². The developed sensor was successfully used for the L-cysteine detection in a real blood sample with good results.