“Digital Transformation is Key to Sustainable Development,” says UI DVC

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp, C.Psych, FSSAN, has stated that digital transformation is essential to advancing teaching, research, university administration, and sustainable development.

He made the statement on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, while receiving members of the Local Organizing Committee of the Third Annual Ibadan International Social Science Conference organized by the Faculty of the Social Sciences during courtesy visit to the office of the Vice-Chancellor ahead of the opening ceremony of the conference.

Professor Olapegba commended the Faculty of the Social Sciences for sustaining the annual conference, noting that it has become an impactful platform for scholarly engagement and exchange of ideas.

He described the theme of the conference: “Digital Transformations, Social Justice and Sustainability in a Dynamic World” as timely and instrumental in addressing contemporary global challenges. 

According to him, digital transformation has simplified teaching, research, and access to information through innovations such as electronic libraries, saying that building a sustainable world requires embracing digital technologies.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor stated that the University of Ibadan has continued to integrate digital technology into its operations in the Registry, Bursary, Human Resources, and Records Management. 

He stressed that institutions that fail to embrace digital transformation risk being left behind in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Professor Olapegba acknowledged the keynote speaker, Professor Eghosa E. Osaghae, a former Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, for his outstanding career, noting that the University of Ibadan is proud of his scholarly works.

The Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Professor Benjamin Ehigie, who led the delegation disclosed that the conference had commenced with a pre-conference workshop for students and the faculty.

He explained that the workshop featured expert sessions on the application of Artificial Intelligence in research and grant proposal writing, equipping participants with practical skills to improve research quality, attract funding opportunities and publish in reputable academic journals.

Professor Ehigie said that the knowledge acquired would improve the quality of research, strengthen proposal-writing skills, and enhance participants’ chances of securing competitive research grants.

The Dean disclosed that the formal opening ceremony would feature a keynote address to be delivered by Professor Eghosa E. Osaghae, who is presently, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), which will be followed by plenary sessions and parallel presentations by researchers, academics and professionals from various organizations.

He expressed confidence that the conference would generate practical recommendations capable of advancing digital transformation and sustainable development while further reinforcing the position of the University of Ibadan as the nation's first and leading university.