Experts Call For Stronger Government, Industry, Academia Synergy To Address Societal Needs
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – THE stakeholders in Nigeria’s education and energy sectors have called on the government to leverage academic institutions as platforms for policy formulation and national development, highlighting the role of the University of Ibadan’s Faculty of Technology in driving innovation and addressing real-world challenges.
The call came during a pre-anniversary program marking the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Technology at the University of Ibadan, themed “Digital Energy: How AI and Machine Learning Are Powering the Future of Oil & Gas”.
The event, which featured career talks and invited lectures, took place at the Faculty’s Large Lecture Theatre on December 10, 2025, with plans for the main anniversary celebrations in January 2026.
The Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Prof. Adeleke Gbamboye, reflected on the faculty’s five-decade-long contributions to Nigeria’s development.
He noted, “If you go out to most industries, most of our students and products are there. The faculty has produced great men, and we have contributed our quota to the nation academically. There has been progressive transformation in infrastructure and manpower development.”
Prof. Gbamboye further revealed plans for an innovation hub within the faculty. “We now have a hub where problems are solved, and innovations are made to tackle national challenges in partnership with industries. Our goal is to implement projects that solve the country’s pressing problems,” he explained.
However, he also highlighted some challenges.
“Finance remains a constraint, and industries often do not engage proactively with universities. Most research here ends up as publications, but with adequate funding and collaboration, our graduates, who excel anywhere in the world can drive national development.”
He appealed to the private sector to invest more in engineering and technology, providing conducive environments and financial support to boost innovation and economic growth.
Olugbenga Falode, Professor of Petroleum Engineering and Chairman of the Faculty’s 50th Anniversary Committee, emphasized the need for Nigeria to emulate global examples such as Singapore and China.
“Singapore has no oil or mineral resources, yet it has leveraged technology for economic growth. Similarly, our faculty should harness AI and emerging technologies to empower the future of engineering and energy,” he said.
Falode also stressed the importance of reviewing the faculty’s legacy and building on its achievements.
“The faculty is like a factory producing skilled professionals whose impact is felt worldwide. Our aim now is to address industry challenges, develop practical solutions, and collaborate with government and industry to commercialize innovations,” he explained.
During his keynote presentation, alumnus and guest speaker Samuel Bankole Aderemi focused on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy sector.
“AI is revolutionizing the industry, enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and becoming an essential skill for all professionals in this age,” Aderemi said.
Engr. Niyi Fanubi added that bridging the gap between academia and industry is crucial.
“The classroom provides foundational knowledge, but the industry must offer platforms to apply this knowledge practically. Government integration of academia with industry will create synergy and drive meaningful solutions,” he argued.
Fanubi concluded by emphasizing the need for policy alignment:
“Academia is doing enough in research and training. What is required now is to build on this work, make sense of it in practical terms, and ensure that government policies are informed by academic insights.”