The Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos has commenced a two-day international conference with the theme, Emerging Technologies and the Built Environment: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities.
The conference kicked off with an opening ceremony on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences Auditorium. The event featured a rich lineup of thought leaders, professionals, and researchers from across Nigeria and beyond.
With her Opening Address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, who was represented by the Director, Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development (CHSD), Prof. Timothy Nubi set the tone for the day, as she stressed the critical role of innovation in shaping sustainable built environments.
The Dean of the Faculty, Professor Modupe Omirin, followed with a warm welcome address, while the Chair of the Conference Planning Committee, Professor Olumide Adenuga reiterated the faculty’s commitment to pushing the frontiers of research and professional practice.
A major highlight of the day was the Keynote Address on Emerging Technologies and the Future of the Built Environment: A Comparative Analysis of the Global North and the Global South, delivered virtually by Professor Clinton Aigbavboa of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
The presentation examined the structural and technological disparities across global regions, and restated the need for African institutions to embrace innovation tailored to local realities.
The event transitioned into a robust panel session moderated by the Executive Director of the UNILAG Business School and former dean of the faculty, Professor Mike Adebamowo. The session featured respected professionals including Arc. Ladi Lewis, Dr. (Bldr.) Emmanuel Aladeloba, ESV Rogba Orimalade, and Quantity Surveyor Femi Falusi, who all shared deep insights from practice-based perspectives.
The conference continued with parallel paper presentations in five breakout groups. The presentations showcased scholarly works, facilitated by a team of seasoned academics: Prof. Muyiwa Agunbiade (Group A), Prof. Kole Odusami (Group B), Prof. Austin Otegbulu (Group C), Prof. Kayode Adebayo (Group D), and Dr. Olayinka Agunloye (Group E), under the coordination of Professor Leke Oduwaye as Chairman.
The day’s proceedings rounded off with a Question & Answer session, moderated by Dr. Uyi Osagie, with rapporteurs Dr. Onifade, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Tontteh offering summaries of each breakout session.
The conference is scheduled to end on Thursday, June 19, 2025, with presentations and collaborative sessions aimed at exploring the future of the built environment in an era of rapid technological advancement.
Report: Isaiah Kumuyi
Photography: Islamiat Akanni
