FED Poly Ayede holds maiden International Conference, seeks local solutions to global challenges
pannigeriannews
3 min read
By Aliyu Mofoluwaso Raheem
The Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State has commenced its maiden international conference of the School of Science and Technology, with a call for the deployment of science, technology and innovation to tackle local and global challenges.
The three-day conference, which began on Tuesday, September 8, and ends Thursday, September 10, 2026, is themed “Empowering Communities through Science, Technology and Innovation.”
Declaring the conference open, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Isiaka Tunji Adelabu, said the theme could not have come at a better time, considering the challenges of sustainable development, food security, energy access, healthcare delivery and economic growth confronting communities.
Adelabu said, “Science provides the foundation, technology provides the tools, and innovation provides the pathway to transform ideas into impact.”
He said the institution was committed to producing graduates and research outputs capable of making practical contributions to society, rather than limiting knowledge to laboratories and lecture halls.
According to him, the conference was conceived as a platform “where scholarship meets service, where research meets relevance, and where global knowledge is domesticated to solve local problems.”
The Rector also welcomed keynote speakers, invited guests, captains of industry, academics, researchers and delegates from within and outside Nigeria to the conference.
In her remarks, the Dean, School of Science and Technology, Dr Khadijat Abdulsalam, described the event as a landmark for both the school and the polytechnic.
Abdulsalam said the challenges of climate change, food security, environmental degradation, unemployment, energy shortage, health crises and digital inequality required creativity, research, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and affordable technologies.
She said the conference would provide an opportunity for participants to share ideas and develop solutions capable of improving the lives of people in their communities.
The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Kazeem Popoola, Bursar, Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, who was represented by the Deputy Bursar, Mr Ismaheel Olaosun, urged the management and staff of the polytechnic to work together towards achieving its vision and mission.
Popoola, who had previously worked at the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, said he had gained tremendously from his experience at the institution and built lasting relationships with members of staff.
He urged staff members to give the Rector the necessary support, cooperation, loyalty and understanding required to succeed.
The keynote speaker, Dr Adebanjo Adekiigbe, a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, Federal Polytechnic Ede, called for greater emphasis on local content in scientific and technological development.
Adekiigbe said imported technologies and innovations could not adequately address societal challenges without appropriate local content and input.
He urged researchers to prioritise findings that would promote the technological and economic development of local communities.
The keynote speaker also called on Nigeria to learn from countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Egypt and Malaysia, where scientific and technological developments had contributed to improving the quality of life of their citizens.
Among those present at the opening event of the conference were the Registrar, Mr Akinlolu Akinpade; Bursar, Mr Mufutau Alao; acting Polytechnic Librarian, Mr Dare Adeleke; Senator Ayoade Adeseun, represented by Dr Ahmed Jimoh; Prof. Solomon Bella of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH); Professor Asiata Ibrahim Professor Musbaudeeen Azeez also of LAUTECH as well as deans, heads of departments, directors, staff and students of the Polytechnic.
About The Author
