Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Mbang Femi-Oyewo, has called on tertiary institutions to embrace digital transformation by investing in smart classrooms, e-learning platforms, and digital libraries to enhance teaching and learning.
Femi-Oyewo made the call at the 6th Founders’ Day celebration of Trinity University, Lagos, themed “Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring the Future.”
She noted that in today’s era of rapid innovation and adaptability, the integration of technology and cutting-edge research in higher education has become imperative, particularly in advancing digital learning and AI-driven solutions.
“There is a need to integrate AI and automation into research and education, and to train students in computational drug discovery, bioinformatics, and digital health technologies,” she said.
“Equally crucial is the implementation of Learning Management Systems such as Canvas or Blackboard to facilitate online learning. In addition, mobile apps should be developed to allow students to access course materials, submit assignments, and interact with faculty. Schools must also create virtual and augmented reality labs for immersive learning experiences,” she added.
Femi-Oyewo emphasised the importance of equipping faculty members with the training and support needed to effectively incorporate technology into their teaching.
To bridge the gap between academic research and industry practice, she advocated the establishment of tech incubators in universities to nurture business startups, along with the provision of funding and legal support for intellectual property development.
“To stay aligned with global trends and industry demands, institutions must strengthen partnerships with the private sector to offer students practical experience through internships, research collaborations, and mentorship schemes,” she said.
She also called for the provision of dedicated funding, grants, and incentives for faculty and students engaged in groundbreaking research, especially in areas key to Nigeria’s development. According to her, collaboration between academia, industry, and government is vital to fostering innovation.
“In addition to all of these, smart classrooms, e-learning platforms, and digital libraries remain core investments for effective teaching and learning,” she added.
Stressing the current focus on entrepreneurship and leadership development, Femi-Oyewo urged institutions to support student-led startups through mentorship and incubation programmes. She also encouraged students to take courses on business development and market access strategies.
The Don further highlighted the need for Nigerian universities to align with global best practices by forging partnerships with foreign institutions for exchange programmes, joint research, and dual-degree opportunities.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who chaired the event, expressed satisfaction with Trinity University’s steady growth and achievements.
Pro-Chancellor of the university, Mr Samuel Olatunji, affirmed that Trinity was established to prioritise excellence and inspire future generations.
During the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, Prof. Clement Kolawole, honoured students with outstanding academic performance and vowed that students found culpable in the recently concluded semester exams would face appropriate sanctions.
The Founders’ Day event also featured the inauguration of a demonstrative diagnostic laboratory located on campus.
According to the VC, the facility will enable students to carry out laboratory tests within the university premises.
He affirmed the institution’s continued commitment to community engagement, entrepreneurship, service, research, and quality teaching.
