Federal University Lokoja Hosts 3-Day Hybrid Conference on Technology in Management Practices

The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, has reaffirmed the transformative role of technology in shaping modern management practices as he declared open a three-day hybrid conference organized by the Faculty of Management Sciences.

Held from August 25 to 27, 2025, the conference was themed “Technology in Contemporary Management Practices.” It attracted eminent scholars, industry experts, policymakers, and students from within and outside Nigeria, with participants engaging both physically and virtually. The gathering provided a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, research dissemination, and constructive dialogue on the global impact of technology on management systems.

In his opening address, Professor Akinwumi described the event as timely and strategic, noting the accelerating pace of technological disruptions across industries. He emphasized that today’s managers and scholars must not only adapt but also deliberately harness technology to drive efficiency, inclusiveness, and sustainable development.

“Technology continues to redefine how organizations plan, operate, and compete. The future of management lies in integrating technology into organizational structures, leadership practices, and strategic processes. This conference calls on us to rethink strategies, redesign systems, and reimagine management in alignment with today’s realities and tomorrow’s opportunities,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also praised the Faculty of Management Sciences and the Local Organising Committee, chaired by Professor Gabriel Olorunleke, for their vision and commitment. He noted that the success of the event reflects FUL’s broader mission to promote innovation-driven research, policy development, and capacity building in management and leadership.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Mohammed A. Saidu, Deputy Director (Special Projects) at the Ministry of Finance, Abuja. He highlighted how technology has simplified and accelerated processes across various sectors, citing the banking industry where services such as ATM card issuance, which once took weeks, are now completed instantly.

Dr. Saidu, however, stressed that the value of technology lies more in its application than in its invention. He urged participants to prioritize exposure, awareness, and proper usage, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence.

“Artificial intelligence is not about how it was made, but how we control it and use it for our purposes. The world has become a global village where everything is done online, and we must be intentional in how we engage with technology,” he cautioned.

He further underscored the global challenges associated with technological growth, including climate change, calling on scholars and practitioners to develop responsible and forward-looking strategies that ensure technology contributes to sustainable progress.

In recognition of Professor Akinwumi’s leadership, Dr. Saidu commended the Vice-Chancellor’s efforts to sensitize students on the importance of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. He described the initiative as laudable and vital in preparing FUL graduates to thrive in a highly digitalized world.

The three-day conference featured:

• Panel discussions
• Paper presentations
• Networking sessions

These activities provided opportunities for participants to share innovative ideas, deliberate on practical solutions, and forge collaborations aimed at advancing the frontiers of knowledge in management sciences.

With its rich deliberations and outcomes, the conference reaffirmed Federal University Lokoja’s position as a hub for forward-looking research and a driver of innovation in higher education.