The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso branch, on Thursday, held its maiden public lecture and awards programme
The programme brought together university administrators, policymakers, labour leaders, philanthropists and other stakeholders to examine pathways for sustainable development of the Nigerian university system.
The lecture titled, ‘Emerging Digital Transformation for the Advancement of Nigerian Universities through Innovative Funding Models: The Strategic Role of Key Stakeholders’, was delivered by Hon. Adejare Bello, Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. He was represented by the OAU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Adesola Aderounmu.
The programme, attended by principal officers of LAUTECH and other distinguished personalities, also featured special awards to distinguished individuals in recognition of their contributions to education, leadership, community development and the advancement of LAUTECH.
Among those honoured were renowned businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Lamidi Monsur Ayoade Ejide; the lawmaker representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator AbdulFatai Buhari; National President of SSANU, Comrade Muhammed Haruna Ibrahim; and Hon. Adejare Bello.
The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Host, Professor Razaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu, was represented at the programme by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management and Operations), Professor Tunde Ogunkunle.
Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development and Partnerships), Professor Lukman Sunmonu; the Registrar, Mrs Olayinka Balogun; the Bursar, Mr Kehinde Olatokun (FCA), represented by Mr Mukaila Akinbola (FCA); and the University Librarian, Professor Adefunke Ebijuwa, represented by Dr. Solomon Oyetola, alongside other members of the University community.
Other dignitaries included former lawmaker, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, and the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Dr. Yunus Teliat Ayilara.
Declaring the lecture open, the LAUTECH Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kalilu, described the theme as timely and strategic, stressing that the university of the future would be defined not only by the quality of its academic programmes and research output, but also by the quality, efficiency, responsiveness and integrity of its administrative systems.
The Vice-Chancellor said the Registry and senior staff were at the heart of university administration, touching virtually every aspect of institutional operations, from admissions and examinations to staff matters, records, policy implementation and correspondence.
He therefore called for the capacity, welfare and strategic involvement of senior staff to be prioritised in any digital transformation initiative.
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Professor Kalilu added that universities must move beyond mere digitisation to intelligent administration, through the adoption of electronic document management, workflow automation, data analytics and real-time reporting, noting that artificial intelligence would increasingly influence university administration and funding decisions.
He, however, stressed that transformation is not fundamentally about technology or money alone, but about people.
He urged institutions to invest in continuous professional development, welfare and career progression of their workforce.
In his welcome address, the SSANU LAUTECH Branch Chairperson, Comrade Hamzat Oyelere Fajoye, described the theme as timely, noting that digital transformation and sustainable funding are two critical imperatives confronting Nigerian universities.
He stressed that meaningful university development requires strategic collaboration among government, university management, staff unions, the private sector, development partners, alumni and philanthropists.
Comrade Fajoye expressed appreciation to the University Management for its support towards the successful hosting of the programme and acknowledged Senator Buhari for his contributions to LAUTECH, particularly in infrastructure and ICT.
He also commended Alhaji Lamidi Monsur Ayoade Ejide for his philanthropic interventions, including the provision of a modern multi-million-naira bakery and a laboratory for the Department of Psychology.
The guest lecturer, Hon. Adejare Bello, in his lecture, emphasised the need for Nigerian universities to embrace digital transformation as a strategic institutional priority.
He explained that emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, big data analytics, Internet of Things, digital learning platforms, automation and cybersecurity, are reshaping teaching, research and university administration.
He, however, noted that digital transformation requires sustainable financing beyond the traditional dependence on government subvention and conventional internally generated revenue.
He advocated diversified funding through public-private partnerships, development-finance institutions, technology companies, alumni and philanthropic support, as well as revenue generation from online programmes, professional training, consultancy, research services, intellectual-property licensing and innovation.
The lecturer highlighted the strategic roles of government, university councils and management, staff unions, academic and non-academic staff, industry, alumni, students and development partners in driving sustainable transformation.
Earlier before the lecture, Comrade Ibrahim and Comrade Fajoye led the executive council members of SSANU LAUTECH and other branches on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor.
During the visit, Comrade Ibrahim commended the LAUTECH management for creating a peaceful working environment and improving the welfare of the association’s members.
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