UNILAG’s Prof. Amuda Advocates for Local Solutions in Inaugural Lecture

Professor Muhammed Olawale Hakeem Amuda, the 27th Inaugural Lecturer of the 2023/2024 academic session at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has called for a stronger focus on local solutions to address Nigeria's challenges. Delivering a lecture titled The Vicegerent: The Evolution of a Contemporary Alágbẹ̀dẹ on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the Professor of Welding Process Analysis and Surface Modification criticized Nigeria’s dependence on foreign solutions despite the country's wealth of local expertise.

Presided over by UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the lecture took place at the J. F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium and drew a large audience, including family, friends, royalty, and academic peers.

In his address, Prof. Amuda lamented the lack of a clear national developmental agenda, which he argued has hindered the country’s research and innovation efforts. He emphasized the need for a research-driven approach to solving Nigeria’s problems, focusing on his groundbreaking work in materials science, particularly in clay and ferrous materials, low energy fusion melting, welding, and surface modification.

Prof. Amuda recounted his research journey, which includes pioneering work on the adaptation of Ipetumodu potters' clay for use in mold production in foundries. His team’s exploration of kaolinitic-clay deposits in areas like Ijoko and Osiele has been pivotal for refractory and insulation purposes. Additionally, he introduced cryogenic cooling and elemental powder addition techniques to improve stainless steel welding, along with surface modification innovations using oxy-acetylene flame systems.

Looking ahead, Prof. Amuda plans to delve into computational materials engineering, further advancing his expertise in welding and surface modification.

Prof. Amuda, born in 1971, joined UNILAG’s Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering in 2000 and became a professor in 2020. His contributions to Nigerian science and engineering have earned him national recognition.