On Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Rahamon Adisa Bello Auditorium at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) pulsed with intellectual fervor as the Faculty of Engineering Artificial Intelligence (AI)+ Committee convened its inaugural Quarterly Seminar.
Two illustrious alumni of the Faculty, Mr. Oludare Olanrewaju and Dr. Omoayena Odunbaku graced the stage and delivered insights around the theme: Artificial Intelligence Research and Development in the University System.
Held under the visionary leadership of the Dean, Professor Samson Adeosun, the event, chaired by Professor Ladi Ogunwolu, united students, members of faculty, and industry to unravel the boundless horizons of AI.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering elevated the conversation to a global stage. His words, “Artificial intelligence is the heartbeat of today’s world, inseparable from our duty as researchers to push boundaries and address humanity’s greatest challenges.”
Professor Adeosun praised the guest speakers, Mr. Olanrewaju and Dr. Odunbaku, for their brilliance and appreciated their return to inspire students of the Faculty and beyond.
Similarly, Professor Ogunwolu set the tone with an address that emphasised AI’s transformative power across academia and industry. His words ignited a spark that paved the way for a day brimming with revelation and dialogue.
Mr. Oludare Olanrewaju, in his presentation, enthralled the audience with a dynamic exploration of AI’s pivotal role in modern research.
The 2007 graduate of Engineering showcased the ability of AI tools to reshape research across disciplines. He urged students and scholars to harness these innovations for tangible impact.
Dr. Omoayena Odunbaku’s presentation focused on Research & Development in University: Opportunities, Prospects, and Challenges. The presentation painted a vivid tapestry of AI’s vast potential in academic research.
Dr. Odunbaku also delved into the critical issue of gender bias, noting the disproportionate presence of women in certain research spheres. She highlighted this disparity without veering from her central theme, using it to underscore the broader challenges and opportunities within R&D.
Her position emerged clearly: “Addressing such inequities is not a distraction but an integral part of advancing academic progress.” This stance enriched the discourse with a nuanced perspective that remained firmly rooted in her topic.
The forum provided a platform for questions and answers that deepened the collective grasp of AI’s academic promise.
Reporter: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Michael Joshua
