LASU Hosts Industry Day 3.0, Advances Innovation and Professional Development in Logistics

The School of Transport and Logistics, Lagos State University (LASU), in collaboration with the Department of Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Kaduna State University (KASU), hosted the 2025 Industry Day at the Femi Gbajabiamila Conference Centre, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos, on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Branded as Industry Day 3.0, the event brought together academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and students for a high-level engagement focused on innovation, professional immersion, and cross-institutional collaboration within the logistics and supply chain sector.

In her opening remarks, the Acting Dean, School of Transport and Logistics, Dr Ogochukwu Ugboma, described Industry Day as a strategic platform linking academia with industry and theory with practice. She reaffirmed LASU’s commitment to producing graduates who are academically sound, industry-ready, and globally competitive, noting that the programme was designed to strengthen students’ professional identity, ethical grounding, and practical competence.

Dr Ugboma highlighted that the 2025 edition featured career talks, expert-led sessions, an academic field trip, structured networking opportunities, and a Students’ Debate Competition. She expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, represented by the Director, School of Part-Time Studies, Professor Oluwatobi Pemede, for the University’s continued support of the School’s vision.

Delivering her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor commended industry partners, guests, staff, and students of LASU and the visiting KASU delegation for their participation. She urged students to maximise the opportunities provided by Industry Day to learn, network, and position themselves as solution-driven professionals in a sector increasingly shaped by logistics intelligence and innovation.

The Head of Department, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, KASU, Dr Usman Abbas, expressed gratitude to LASU Management and the School of Transport and Logistics for the collaboration and hospitality. He described the four-day engagement, held from Monday, December 8 to Thursday, December 11, 2025, as impactful and instrumental in strengthening institutional ties between both universities.

A goodwill message was delivered by the Country Director, LEARN Logistics by Kuehne Foundation, Mr Stephen Akut, who encouraged students to fully engage with the programme, describing Industry Day as a valuable platform for learning, collaboration, and career-defining networking.

A key feature of the programme was a panel session on building successful careers in Logistics, Transport, and Supply Chain, moderated by a former Dean, Prof. C. Asenime. He provided insights into emerging opportunities for graduates within Nigeria and globally, while students actively engaged through questions on career pathways and industry expectations.

The Students’ Debate Competition brought LASU and KASU students together in mixed teams to deliberate on the motion: “Soft skills—specifically cross-cultural negotiation and ethical governance—are a greater determinant of success in the AfCFTA era than mastery of disruptive technical competence.” The winning team received a cash prize of ₦500,000 from LEARN Logistics by Kuehne Foundation, while other participating teams received ₦200,000 each, alongside gift items from the host School.

Another highlight was the induction of students into the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), conducted by the National Director, CILT (Next Gen), Mr Reynolds Shodeinde. Outstanding students of the School were also recognised with cash awards for academic excellence and commitment.

The event attracted dignitaries including Professor S. G. Odewumi; Director-General, African Centre for Supply Chain, Dr Obiora Madu; Director of Procurement, Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs Aminat Idris; and the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Corps Commander Ganiyu K. Hamzat, represented by the Unit Commander, Iba, Chief Route Commander Oriyomi O. Savage. Representatives of LASTMA, LACVIS, LAMATA, Traffic Radio, Nigeria Customs, LBSL, and NURTW were also present.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Acting School Officer and Administrative Secretary, School of Transport and Logistics, Mr Herbert Olumakaye, who appreciated all stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the event.

Industry Day 3.0 concluded with a networking session, providing students with opportunities to interact with industry professionals and peers. Industry Week 3.0 comes to a close on Friday, December 12, 2025.