University of Ibadan Faculty of Computing Hosts Maiden International Conference

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, University of Ibadan, Professor Juwon Tunde Arotiba, FICD, FWACS, has described the Faculty of Computing as a forward-looking faculty despite being a new faculty in the university.

He made the statement on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, at the opening ceremony of the maiden International Conference of the Faculty of Computing.

Professor Arotiba said that the theme of the conference, "Frontiers in Computing for Sustainable Development," was not a decorative phrase but a deliberate statement of intent which reflected the decision of the faculty to look forward rather than simply forwarding its curriculum.

He said that computing has moved beyond asking what technology can do to examining what it should do, whom it should serve, and at what cost to society and the environment.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor stated that artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and other emerging technologies must be deployed responsibly to solve societal problems. He stressed that research should focus on developing solutions that address local and national needs rather than merely adopting foreign models.

Professor Arotiba highlighted Nigeria's rich linguistic diversity as a unique opportunity for research in Natural Language Processing and Conversational Artificial Intelligence. He urged researchers to develop indigenous datasets and technologies that reflect African realities.

He also emphasised the importance of Explainable and Responsible Artificial Intelligence, noting that transparency and accountability are essential to building public trust in digital technologies.

The DVC added that software engineering education must evolve to prepare graduates for an AI-driven future.

He charged early career researchers and young scholars to pursue intellectual rigour, strengthen their mathematical and engineering foundations, and ensure that their innovations remain relevant to humanity. He reiterated that the University of Ibadan is committed to creating and advancing knowledge in service to humanity.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Computing, Professor A. B. Adeyemo, disclosed that the conference was a significant milestone in the history of the faculty.

He said that the theme was carefully chosen to reflect the critical role of computing and artificial intelligence in addressing challenges in healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, economic growth, and other sectors.

Professor Adeyemo explained that the conference was a convergence of scholars, researchers, professionals, policy makers, industry experts, postgraduate students, and stakeholders in computing and allied disciplines to share knowledge, present innovative research, and discuss emerging trends in computing.

The Dean expressed confidence that the conference would contribute meaningfully to national and global development while fostering collaboration among researchers, academics, and industry professionals.

Professor Adenike Osofisan, the first female Professor of Computer Science in Africa and one of the progenitors of the erstwhile Department of Computer Science, reflected on the remarkable transformation of Computing at the University of Ibadan.

According to her, the Department moved from being one of the weakest academic units in the university to becoming one of the strongest, culminating in its elevation to a faculty.

She encouraged the faculty to build conscientiously on the foundation laid by icons of the department, describing the conference as a laudable step in repositioning computer science for social impact in a fast changing world.

The Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences, KolaDaisi University, Professor Ademola Olushola Adesina, in a keynote address examined the evolution of healthcare from the industrial era to the digital age.

He explained that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, electronic health records, telemedicine, and online health services, are transforming healthcare delivery through improved diagnosis, precision medicine, and enhanced access to quality care.

He said the conference was an opportunity to explore new frontiers of learning and raise a new breed of innovators who will chart a fresh course for the future.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Provost of the Postgraduate College, Professor A. S. O. Ogunjuyigbe; the Director of the Distance Learning Centre, Professor O. F. W. Onifade; and Professor Benjamin Aribisala, a Professor of Computer Science at Lagos State University, who was a Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony.