Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), has been applauded for his visionary leadership and commitment to academic excellence, under whose guidance the University is said not to be only climbing rankings, but also setting records.
This was stated on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Faculty of Engineering and Technology International Conference (FETICON 2025), held at the UNILORIN Auditorium, by the Chairman of the Conference, Engr. Victor Bandele.
The theme of this years conference is, “Revitalising Communities: The Role of Indigenous Technologies in Addressing Food Security, Energy, and Economic Challenges for a Sustainable Future”.
“Your commitment to excellence ensures that UNILORIN remains a
powerhouse of innovation, not just in Nigeria, but globally. The
theme of this year’s conference isn’t just timely, it’s critical. While the world scrambles for solutions to food shortages, energy, poverty, and economic
instability, we have a secret weapon: our own people and their ingenuity. Indigenous technology isn’t just an alternative, it’s our competitive edge,” Engr. Bandele applauded, adding that the theme is not only timely but also critical.
He stressed the need for the academia and industry to join forces together in order to bring about “real, scalable innovations that transform communities, while admonishing the students to note that the future is in their curiosity and refusal never to accept that it can’t be done, saying “that’s the spark Nigeria needs”.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the Conference, Prof. Kajogbola Rasaq Ajao, noted that, over the decades, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology has played a vital role in the university’s growth and impact, adding that “today, we stand as one of the leading engineering faculties in Nigeria, known for our excellence in research, innovation, and academic strength”.
According to him, this year’s theme is a deliberate call to action, urging academics, industry practitioners, innovators, and policymakers to come together and exchange ideas, propose solutions rooted in indigenous knowledge systems, and champion technologies that reflect the present realities.
He added: “As we deliberate over the coming days, let us think boldly, collaborate openly, and commit ourselves to outcomes that will not end on paper, but will spark real change in our communities. Let this conference not just be a meeting of minds, but a launching ground for meaningful action.”
He commended their sponsors for their unwavering support in many shades towards the success of this year’s conference.
In his speech, the Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Jamiu Kolawole Odusote, also lauded the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), for his continued support and commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and institutional growth, saying “this has been the wind beneath our wings”.
He reiterated that his tenure is firmly committed to being remembered not for diagnosing problems, but for solving them, adding that every initiative they champion is geared towards moving from insight to impact.
He added: “As we begin this conference, I encourage you to immerse yourself fully, attend sessions, connect with new minds, and challenge ideas. Let this be a moment of collective inspiration and a launchpad for sustainable transformation.”
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, noted that “since the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has been compelled to look inward. It has become necessary for all of us to ask: What can we do, using local solutions, to address the pressing issues that affect us? Global concerns such as energy access, poverty, and hunger continue to resonate across nations. Therefore, it is timely and appropriate that we examine these challenges from our own unique perspective and context.
“We are pleased that the Faculty of Engineering and Technology has fostered collaborations from various sectors. These partnerships will undoubtedly enable us to improve on our existing practices — to do what we have been doing in better, more efficient ways, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and innovations.
“The theme of this year’s conference — food security, energy, and economic challenges — speaks directly to the Nigerian reality. These are core issues that define our current situation. Thus, we are truly excited about the conversations and contributions that this conference will spark.
“We eagerly look forward to learning a great deal from this conference — not just in terms of knowledge, but also in terms of meaningful partnerships and implementable strategies.”
In his presentation, Prof. Hyeon-Tae Kim of the Department of Biosystems Engineering, Gyeongsang National University (GNU) Jinju, South Korea, stressed the need for a reliable and accessible communication technologies, urging farmers
readiness through education and training and availability of financial resources.
While advocating new agro business models, he offered solutions to some of the challenges farmers face, including improved water management, adaptation strategies to manage climate change, and establishment of Agrifood supply chain, saying
“the end goal for all these will be sustainable agriculture”.
End
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