Prof. Isaac Olusola Delivers UNILAG 452nd Inaugural Lecture

In a thought-provoking session that bridged the gap between theoretical physics and modern innovation, Professor Olasunkanmi Isaac Olusola, a Professor of Physics at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), delivered the university’s 452nd Inaugural Lecture on Wednesday, February 4, 2025.

The lecture, titled “Unpredictability: An Indispensable Phenomenon in Modern Scientific Exploration,” was held at the J.F. Ade. Ajayi Auditorium and presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS.

Professor Olusola’s presentation challenged the traditional scientific obsession with absolute certainty and rigid control. He argued that unpredictability—often viewed as a hurdle—is, in fact, a fundamental catalyst for discovery in modern scientific inquiry.

Key highlights of the lecture included:

The Indispensability of Uncertainty: The Professor posited that groundbreaking innovations frequently emerge from unpredictable variables that force scientists to re-evaluate established models.

Physics as a Lens: Using complex physical systems as a reference, he illustrated how nonlinear dynamics and "chaotic" data provide deeper insights into the natural world than static, predictable observations.

Strategic Reframing: He urged the academic community to embrace stochastic (random) processes as essential components of research, rather than errors to be eliminated.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, commended the lecturer for his intellectual depth and for simplifying a complex subject for a diverse audience. She noted that the inaugural lecture series remains a vital platform for professors to showcase their research contributions and offer solutions to global challenges.

The event was attended by members of the university’s Senate, staff, students, and visiting scholars, marking another milestone in UNILAG’s commitment to fostering high-level academic discourse.