Federal Polytechnic Ayede Achieves Global Academic Breakthrough at World Islamic Economics & Finance Conference in Pakistan

Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, has recorded a major international academic milestone following its participation in the 9th World Islamic Economics & Finance Conference (WIEFC 2026) held at Minhaj University, Lahore, Pakistan.

The institution was represented at the prestigious global forum by Dr. Mufutau Akanmu Popoola, a senior academic staff member, marking a significant step in the Polytechnic’s growing international academic footprint.

The conference, themed “Sustainability, Climate & Socioeconomic Inclusion,” brought together leading scholars, economists, development experts, and policymakers from across the world to examine sustainability-focused Islamic finance, climate risk management, ESG screening, artificial intelligence applications, micro-takaful, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.

Dr. Popoola presented a research paper during Technical Session II, where he shared intellectual space with respected academics from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Pakistan, and Nigeria. His contribution earned him a Certificate of Appreciation from the Conference Organising Committee, presented by the management of Minhaj University, in recognition of his scholarly input to global discourse.

The session was chaired by Dr. Zaheer Anwer of Sunway University, Malaysia, while keynote addresses were delivered by Dr. Muhamed Zulkhibri Abdul Majid, Senior Economist at the Islamic Development Bank, Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Mohd Fauzi Abu-Hussin of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Popoola expressed gratitude to the leadership of Federal Polytechnic Ayede and the Federal Government for fostering an enabling environment for academic growth and international exposure.

He particularly commended the Pioneer Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), for his visionary leadership and strong commitment to staff development, as well as the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for supporting research, capacity building, and international academic engagement.

Reacting to the achievement, the Pioneer Rector described the recognition as a proud moment for the institution and a clear validation of its academic direction.

“This accomplishment underscores our determination to build a globally competitive institution. I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained efforts to revitalise Nigeria’s education sector,” he stated.

The Rector also praised the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, for their consistent support for research, innovation, and global academic participation.

At the close of the technical sessions, appreciation shields were presented to session chairs, discussants, and presenters, further reflecting the high scholarly standards of the conference.

The participation of Federal Polytechnic Ayede at WIEFC 2026 reinforces its rising status as a centre of academic excellence, global collaboration, and policy-relevant research, driven by purposeful leadership and strategic investment in human capital development.