Prof. Mbang Femi-Oyewo, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, has urged Nigerian tertiary institutions to adopt digital technologies by investing in smart classrooms, e-learning platforms, and digital libraries to enhance teaching and learning.
He made this appeal during the 6th Founders’ Day celebration of Trinity University, Lagos, themed “Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring the Future.”
Prof. Femi-Oyewo explained that in today’s fast-changing world, higher education must keep pace by integrating technology and modern research methods.
She emphasised the importance of incorporating artificial intelligence and automation into academic research and education, particularly in fields such as computational drug discovery, bioinformatics, and digital health technologies.
She recommended using Learning Management Systems, such as Canvas or Blackboard, to support online learning. She encouraged the development of mobile apps that would enable students to access course materials, submit assignments, and communicate with lecturers.
According to her, creating virtual and augmented reality labs will also provide students with immersive and practical learning experiences.
The professor called on universities to train their teaching staff to utilise technology in the classroom effectively.
She suggested setting up tech incubators on campuses to help students develop start-ups, providing funding and legal support to protect intellectual property.
To prepare students for real-world jobs, she said schools should partner more closely with private companies for internships, research projects, and mentorship opportunities.
Prof. Femi-Oyewo also encouraged institutions to provide grants and incentives for groundbreaking research, particularly in areas crucial for Nigeria’s development.
She believes that collaboration between universities, industries, and the government is essential to promote innovation.
She added that supporting entrepreneurship and leadership development should be a priority.
This includes mentoring student-led start-ups and offering courses on business development and market access strategies.
Furthermore, Nigerian universities should form partnerships with foreign schools to offer exchange programmes, joint research projects, and dual-degree programmes.
At the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, praised Trinity University’s progress.
The Pro-Chancellor, Mr Samuel Olatunji, stated that the university was established to promote excellence and inspire future leaders.
During the ceremony, Trinity University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Clement Kolawole, honoured top-performing students and announced that anyone caught cheating in recent examinations would face sanctions.
The event also featured the opening of a new diagnostic laboratory on campus, which will allow students to perform medical tests without leaving the university.
