Digital Transformation Key To Sustainable Development, Says UI Deputy Vice-Chancellor

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp, C.Psych, FSSAN, has emphasised that digital transformation is critical to improving teaching, research, university administration, and sustainable development.

Prof. Olapegba stated this while receiving members of the Local Organising Committee of the Third Annual Ibadan International Social Science Conference on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s office ahead of the conference opening ceremony.

He commended the Faculty of the Social Sciences for sustaining the annual conference, describing it as an important platform for academic engagement, knowledge sharing, and exchange of ideas.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor described the theme of the conference, “Digital Transformations, Social Justice and Sustainability in a Dynamic World,” as timely and relevant to addressing emerging global challenges.

According to him, digital transformation has significantly improved access to information, teaching, and research through innovations such as electronic libraries and other technology-driven platforms.

He stated that building a sustainable future requires institutions and societies to embrace digital technologies, warning that organisations that fail to adapt to technological advancement risk being left behind.

Prof. Olapegba noted that the University of Ibadan has continued to integrate digital solutions into its operations, including the Registry, Bursary, Human Resources, and Records Management systems.

He also acknowledged the keynote speaker, Prof. Eghosa E. Osaghae, former Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University and current Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), commending his contributions to scholarship and academic development.

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

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, secure funding opportunities, and publish in reputable academic journals.

Prof. Ehigie stated that the knowledge gained from the workshop would strengthen participants’ research capacity, improve proposal development skills, and increase their chances of obtaining competitive research grants.

He added that the formal opening ceremony of the conference would feature a keynote address by Prof. Osaghae, followed by plenary sessions and parallel presentations involving researchers, academics, and professionals from different organisations.

The Dean expressed confidence that the conference would produce practical recommendations capable of advancing digital transformation and sustainable development while further strengthening the University of Ibadan’s position as Nigeria’s premier university.