Prof. Jelil Alamu-Oguntola, a lecturer, has urged the Federal Government to explore Artificial Intelligence (AI) for technological innovation and achievement of Sustainable Development’
By Aderemi Bamgbose
Prof. Jelil Alamu-Oguntola, a lecturer, has urged the Federal Government to explore Artificial Intelligence (AI) for technological innovation and achievement of Sustainable Development’ Goals (SDG’s) in Nigeria.
Alamu-Oguntola, Head of Department, Department of Mechanical Egineering, Osun State University, also urged the Federal Government to explore Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and robotics.
He gave the advice on Wednesday at the first International Conference On Engineering And Technology (OICET) 2025 in Okitipupa, Ondo State, organised by Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH),
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, organised by OAUSTECH’s School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, was tagged “Intelligent Technology And Innovations for Inclusive and Sustainable Development”.
The don, also the keynote speaker, said intelligent technologies had the potential to formulate policies in smart agriculture, renewable energy, fintech, and digital infrastructure to address pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges.
Alamu-Oguntola, a former Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, emphasied the need for localised, context-specific solutions to bridge the digital divide and foster equitable access to technology.
“Others are to ensure ethical AI deployment through robust policy frameworks and public-private collaborations,” he said.
Also, Prof. David Omole, another keynote speaker, urged the Federal Government to continually invest more in innovation and infrastructure through Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in order to foster SDGs.
Omole, a lecturer at School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, said countries that invested heavily in innovation and infrastructures were part of the developed countries.
“Government should explore PPP that works, curb corruption and wastages, punish public saboteurs, imbibe maintainance culture, and empower the Local Government Area’s to handle infrastructure maintenance, in order to meet the SDG’s,” he said.
In his address, Prof. Titus Ajewole, Dean, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, OAUSTECH, noted that the conference was a platform for knowledge, innovation and collaboration.
“In a world facing climate change, energy insecurity, environmental decline and digital destruction, engineering and technology are vital to sustainable development and national progress,” he said.
Earlier, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, OAUSTECH’s Vice-Chancellor, noted that the gathering marked a significant milestone in the history of the institution.
Ologunorisa, represented by Prof. Foluso Adetuyi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), said the world had been reshaped by a wave of intelligent technologies, from AI and machine learning to smart infrastructure, robotics and renewable energy systems.
“The true value of innovation lies not in its novelty but in the ability to address real world problems to close gaps, empower communities and sustain the planet for future generations,” he said.
NAN reports that the event featured presentations by several other scholars, presentation of awards, and delivery of goodwill messages. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)