ACU Vice-Chancellor Applauds Successful FNS International Conference, Hails Prof. Olayinka’s Lecture

The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, has commended the Faculty of Natural Sciences for the successful hosting of its 4th Biennial International Conference, which ended after four days of academic engagements, research presentations, and intellectual discourse.

The conference, themed “Frontiers in Science and Technology: Innovations for Sustainable Development in a Dynamic World,” brought together scholars, researchers, and professionals to deliberate on emerging scientific innovations and sustainable development strategies.

Congratulating the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Roland Isibor; the Conference Chairman, Prof. Ebenezer Olayinka; the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Ayokanmi Ore; alongside staff and students of the faculty, the Vice-Chancellor expressed satisfaction with the overall organisation and outcome of the event.

Prof. Oduwole stated that she was “highly impressed” with the quality of the conference and the level of participation recorded throughout the programme.

The Vice-Chancellor also explained her absence at the opening ceremony, noting that she was in Abuja attending the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board policy meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Education.

Despite her absence, she said her “mind and spirit” remained with the conference throughout the event.

Speaking on the keynote presentation delivered by former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, Prof. Oduwole praised the lecture as intellectually stimulating and relevant to Nigeria’s development needs.

She noted that Prof. Olayinka challenged scholars and universities to move beyond research conducted solely for academic purposes and instead focus on innovation-driven research capable of generating economic growth, employment opportunities, and societal transformation.

Describing the former UI Vice-Chancellor as a man of “timber and calibre,” Prof. Oduwole referred to him as an “academic juggernaut” and a mentor whose contributions continue to shape higher education and research development.

She also urged the conference organisers to ensure the publication of the conference proceedings to preserve and disseminate the knowledge generated during the event.

The Vice-Chancellor described the turnout at the conference as impressive and called for stronger collaboration between universities, government institutions, and industries to ensure that ideas discussed at the conference translate into practical solutions and policy outcomes.

In his vote of thanks, the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Roland Isibor, expressed appreciation to the university management, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, for supporting the successful hosting of the conference.

He also commended participating researchers and academics for contributing valuable insights through paper presentations and intellectual discussions during the conference.

Prof. Isibor encouraged young researchers and emerging scholars in attendance to remain bold, curious, and committed in their pursuit of scientific knowledge and innovation.

The conference ended on what participants described as a strong note of academic collaboration, strategic networking, and renewed calls for research-driven solutions to societal challenges.