A Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Ibadan and Vice-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Professor Olasebikan Alade Fakolujo, has asserted that engineering education remains fundamental to national development.
He made this assertion while delivering his Valedictory Lecture at the University of Ibadan as he retired from active service after 38 years of distinguished service in teaching, research, mentorship, administration and community service and having attained the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
In a lecture titled “Illuminating the Path: A Reflection on Nurturing Excellence in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the Nigerian University System,” Professor Fakolujo stressed that no nation can attain sustainable industrialisation, technological advancement and economic transformation without sustained investment in engineering education, research and innovation.
He described Electrical and Electronic Engineering as one of the foundational pillars of modern civilisation, noting that contemporary society depends largely on innovations in power systems, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductor technologies, renewable energy and digital manufacturing.
He alluded to South Korea, Singapore, China and Germany as countries that have demonstrated that technological advancement is driven by deliberate investment in engineering capacity, research ecosystems and institutional discipline.
RELATED NEWS:
UI VC, Adebowale Hosts YFC’s Researchers, Students
UI, University of Florida to Explore Strategic Partnership to Boost Agricultural Research
The Valedictory Lecturer observed that Nigeria’s infrastructure deficits, inadequate laboratory facilities, inconsistent funding, shortage of technical personnel and weak collaboration between universities and industry continue to impede engineering education and technological development.
He said that these challenges require structural solutions through improved funding, stronger research support, and effective partnerships between the academia, industry and government.
The retiring don highlighted his contributions to teaching, institutional development, mentoring and university administration, restating that his greatest legacy lies in mentorship, having supervised over 250 undergraduate projects, more than 100 Master’s dissertations and 12 doctoral theses, some of whom have become professors, researchers, administrators and leaders in academia and industry.
He explained that throughout his academic career, he embraced what he described as “adaptive stewardship,” saying that it is a philosophy of sustaining excellence in resource-constrained environments.
Professor Fakolujo lauded the improvements in students’ academic performance within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering over the years, particularly following the introduction of the post-UTME admission process.
According to him, the consistent rise in outstanding graduates demonstrates that sound admission policies, committed faculty and institutional discipline are essential ingredients for sustainable academic excellence.
He advocated sustained investment in engineering education, improved laboratory infrastructure, increased research funding, stronger collaboration between universities and industry, institutionalised knowledge transfer, establishment of innovation hubs, and deliberate policies that would strengthen Nigeria’s technological competitiveness and national development.
The UI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, described the occasion as a celebration of a distinguished academic career dedicated to nurturing minds and advancing scholarship.
He recognised Professor Fakolujo as one who distinguished himself as an accomplished scholar, and leader par excellence, whose contributions through teaching, research, mentorship and administration have strengthened the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the Faculty of Technology and the University of Ibadan.
Professor Adebowale noted that the retiring professor’s years of dedicated service have inspired generations of students and colleagues, adding that his invaluable contributions to the university cannot be adequately repaid.
He expressed confidence that Professor Fakolujo’s legacy would continue to endure through the many lives he has impacted and wished him a fulfilling and rewarding retirement.
The Dean, Faculty of Technology, Professor A. I. Bamgboye, described Professor Fakolujo as the embodiment of simplicity, diligence and dedication, recounting that he served as Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering for about 13 years cummulatively and contributed immensely to its growth and development through purposeful leadership, academic excellence and unwavering commitment to service.
ALSO READ: Oyo 2027: Babylon And Governor Seyi Makinde’s Hatchet Men | By Sola Abegunde
The acting Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dr. K. O. Odeyemi, described the event as a celebration of a remarkable academic journey and a life devoted to scholarship, service and mentorship.
He stated that Professor Fakolujo’s unwavering commitment to teaching, research and the nurturing of young minds have produced numerous graduates who continue to distinguish themselves in academia, industry, government and entrepreneurship within and outside Nigeria.
