Experts Push Varsity-Industry Synergy To Tackle Industrial Challenges

Former Vice Chancellor of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Prof. Adeniyi Olayaanju, has called for stronger collaboration between engineering practitioners and academics to address Nigeria’s persistent industrial challenges. He made the call in Ilọrin, Kwara State capital, during the inauguration of the 23rd Executive Committee of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ilorin Branch, where Engineer Olusola […]

Former Vice Chancellor of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Prof. Adeniyi Olayaanju, has called for stronger collaboration between engineering practitioners and academics to address Nigeria’s persistent industrial challenges.

He made the call in Ilọrin, Kwara State capital, during the inauguration of the 23rd Executive Committee of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ilorin Branch, where Engineer Olusola Adetola Ogunjirin was sworn in as Chairman.

Delivering a lecture on the theme “Championing a Sustainable Engineering Body for a Resilient and Prosperous Future”, Prof. Olayanju, a seasoned engineer, said the disconnect between classroom learning and industry realities is slowing national development.

He recommended regular exchange programmes between lecturers and field practitioners to improve knowledge transfer to students.

He further urged industries to align their research and development efforts with universities to solve real-life production challenges.

Prof. Olayanju proposed the establishment of a consultancy arm within the NSE Ilorin Branch to help proffer practical solutions to local engineering problems.

Engineers, he noted, must take ownership of the production process and control the means of technology to build a truly self-reliant economy.

According to him, decentralising technology to cottage or home-level production will promote local innovation and reduce dependence on external systems.

He said almost all the Sustainable Development Goals (MDGs) are tied to engineering and urged professionals in both academia and the field to drive progress through ingenuity and collaboration.

In his address, the new chairman, Engr. Ogunjirin, pledged to run an administration focused on integrity, relevance, and professional growth, urging members to work together to move the branch forward.

The National President of NSE, Engineer Margaret Aina Oguntala, represented by Vice President Engineer Rachel Ugye, called on the new leaders to prioritise unity and promote engineering solutions that serve the community and the nation at large.

The NSE Ilorin event also witnessed the inauguration of other executives including Engr. Ahmed Kazeem-Jatto (Vice Chairman), Engr. S.A. Yahaya (General Secretary), Engr. Ramat AbdulQudir (Treasurer) and Engr. R.O. Jimoh as Publicity Secretary.

Others are Engr. Shakirat Akanbi-AbdulRasaq (Financial Secretary), Engr. M.A. Lawal (Assistant General Secretary), Engr. S.O. Ashola as Technical Secretary and Engr. S.O. Obalowu as Assistant Technical Secretary.