L-R: The Chairman of the Governing Council, Yaba College of Technology, Prof. Funso Isolaowa Afolabi, and the inaugural lecturer, Engr. Prof. Olumide Moses Ogundipe, at the maiden inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti recently.
By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
…Commends FUTES Management for Building Strong Academic Foundation
The Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Professor Funso Isolaowa Afolabi, has emphasised the importance of technical education to national development, describing it as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation and improved productivity.
Afolabi made this known while commending the management of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, for establishing its maiden inaugural lecture series, describing the initiative as a significant step towards building a strong academic tradition.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Governing Council, Management and Academic Board of YABATECH, now known as the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos, he said the introduction of inaugural lectures would promote intellectual engagement, encourage scholarly contributions and strengthen the institution’s commitment to teaching, research and innovation.
He noted that the efforts of the Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor, management and other stakeholders of FUTES in establishing effective leadership structures and building cohesive teams demonstrated a commitment to sustainable institutional development.
According to him, the university’s leadership has demonstrated the capacity to make strategic decisions, sustain staff morale and promote collaboration despite challenging circumstances.
Afolabi said these efforts were laying a solid foundation for the institution’s growth and positioning it to contribute meaningfully to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through technical education and human-capacity development.
He stressed that technical education remained essential to Nigeria’s quest for sustainable economic growth, improved infrastructure and increased productivity.
The YABATECH Council Chairman also described inaugural lectures as important intellectual platforms that go beyond ceremonial presentations, providing opportunities for senior academics to showcase their research, inspire younger scholars and generate practical solutions to national challenges.
Commenting on the subject of FUTES’ maiden inaugural lecture, Afolabi said it highlighted the relationship between Nigeria’s spatial and economic development and the urgent need to improve the country’s transportation infrastructure.
He emphasised that sustainable road infrastructure was vital to economic activities, connectivity, mobility and the overall well-being of citizens.
According to him, efficient transportation systems promote productivity, facilitate trade and improve access to essential services, making transportation engineering and management particularly relevant to Nigeria’s development aspirations.
He commended the inaugural lecturer, Engr. Prof. Olumide Moses Ogundipe, for his scholarly contribution through a lecture titled “Paving the Way for Sustainability: Asphalt Innovation for Safe and Durable Road Pavement.”
Afolabi expressed optimism that the presentation would stimulate further research and practical interventions in transportation engineering and management, while providing fresh perspectives on addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.
He further expressed hope that the maiden lecture would inspire other academics at FUTES to organise similar intellectual engagements and establish a sustained tradition of academic excellence and knowledge sharing.
The Council Chairman urged the university community to sustain the momentum generated by the inaugural lecture and continue to develop innovative ideas capable of addressing the country’s developmental needs.
He reaffirmed the importance of building institutions that combine academic excellence with practical solutions, stressing that universities of technology must remain at the forefront of innovation, professional development and national productivity.
Afolabi congratulated the Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor, management, staff and students of FUTES, Iyin-Ekiti, on the milestone, expressing confidence that the institution would continue to strengthen its academic standing and contribute to Nigeria’s technological advancement.
He wished participants a rewarding inaugural lecture, expressing hope that the event would mark the beginning of a lasting legacy of scholarship, innovation and service to the nation.
