The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya has encouraged higher education institutions, especially universities to take advantage of Industry 5.0.
He gave the recommendation while delivering the 11th Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Memorial Anniversary Lecture on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Tolu Odugbemi Hall of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Organized by the Lagos Branch of UNILAG Alumni Association, the event had the theme: Industry 5.0: Expected Impact on Higher Education.
Prof. Odusanya kicked off the Memorial Lecture by discussing the triple helix model; and Higher Education (HE) as a value-adding industry. He dived into the history of the industrial revolution from Industry 1.0 (Mechanization, 1760-1840) to Industry 5.0 (The Personalizable Revolution, 2017).
While emphasizing that Industry 5.0 is all about finding the optimal balance of efficiency and productivity, Prof. Odusanya highlighted the three pillars of Industry 5.0 which are People-centrism, sustainability and resilience. He further discussed the rationale behind Industry 5.0, its impact, benefits and disadvantages; and the framework for examining its impact on Higher Education Industry (HEI).
The LASUSTECH helmsman rounded off the lecture by recommending that, “universities must not be passive onlookers. They must actively engage industry, unbundle curriculum, involve industry practitioners in co-teaching, send university staff on sabbaticals and short–term placement in industry, co-develop research, open up university space to willing investors and develop a culture of experimentation.”
The event also featured speeches from the Chairman of the Occasion and Managing Partner, Kunle Adegoke & Co, Kunle Adegoke, SAN; Chairman of the Alumni Association, Lagos branch, Comrade Owoeye Adedeji (OVO); and President Worldwide, UNILAG Alumni Association, Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele.
Awards were presented to the Guest Lecturer, the Chairman of the occasion and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS. Students of the CMS Boys Grammar School were also on hand to add some colour to the event with beautiful musical renditions.
Prior to commencement of the memorial lecture, the Alumni Association hosted the second (2nd) Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS) Upskill Initiative, a free training programme designed to empower individuals with Data Analytics, Product Design (UUI/UX) and Graphics Design skills.
Earlier in the day, the Executives of UNILAG Alumni Association (Worldwide and Lagos branch) led the Chairman of the occasion, Kunle Adegoke SAN; Guest Lecturer, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya and Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon on a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, at the Senate House.
The Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Memorial Anniversary Lecture is organized annually by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Alumni Association, Lagos Branch in honour of late Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe, an alumnus and 9th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos who passed on to glory in 2012.
Report: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
