LASUSTECH VC Advocates Industry 5.0 Adoption in Higher Education at UNILAG Memorial Lecture

The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, has urged universities to embrace Industry 5.0 as a transformative framework for advancing education. He made the call during the 11th Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Memorial Anniversary Lecture held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Tolu Odugbemi Hall, University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Themed "Industry 5.0: Expected Impact on Higher Education," the lecture was organized by the Lagos Branch of the UNILAG Alumni Association. Professor Odusanya traced the evolution of industrial revolutions, from Industry 1.0's mechanization to Industry 5.0, which he described as the “Personalizable Revolution” focused on balancing efficiency with productivity.

Highlighting the three pillars of Industry 5.0—People-centrism, sustainability, and resilience—he outlined its rationale, potential benefits, challenges, and the implications for higher education institutions (HEIs). He emphasized that universities must not remain passive observers but should actively collaborate with industries through initiatives such as unbundling curricula, involving industry practitioners in teaching, and developing joint research projects.

“Universities must open their spaces to investors, send staff on industrial placements, and foster a culture of experimentation,” Prof. Odusanya advised, underscoring the need for academia-industry synergies to remain relevant in the era of Industry 5.0.

The event featured contributions from prominent figures, including Kunle Adegoke, SAN, Chairman of the Occasion; Comrade Owoeye Adedeji (OVO), Chairman of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Lagos Branch; and Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, President of the UNILAG Alumni Association Worldwide.

Awards were presented to the Guest Lecturer, the Chairman of the Occasion, and former UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS. Students of CMS Boys Grammar School provided a musical interlude that added a vibrant touch to the event.

Earlier in the day, the Alumni Association hosted the second Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS) Upskill Initiative, offering free training in data analytics, product design, and graphic design. The day also included a courtesy visit to the UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, at the Senate House.

The annual lecture, a tribute to the late Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe, an alumnus and 9th Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG who passed away in 2012, continues to inspire forward-thinking discussions on education and innovation.