?p?l? Global, an innovation enabler, incubator and accelerator with a focus on nurturing talents to become global innovators, solution developers and entrepreneurs held a Stakeholders' Engagement at the Federal University of Technology Akure on Thursday 25th April 2024 under the aegis of the OPOLO-FUTA partnership.
During the event students of FUTA were charged to strive to be solution providers to the many problems and challenges facing the country and the continent as a whole. The Head of Programmes, Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) Mr. Gbenga Adebambo gave the charge while speaking on the theme Beyond Borders: Advancing Research and Innovation for Sustainability.
Adebambo said "One of the major problems of Africa is that we produce job seekers rather than solution providers. You are not educated until you can solve problems because education equips you to solve problems " He added that the core purpose of every institution is creating the right environment for innovation and research to thrive.
Inspiring the students to strive for excellence he said," the problems you are called to solve will put a demand beyond the four walls of a classroom. You must learn beyond what you are taught in school". He called for the design and industry-based courses that will encourage collaboration among students and promote entrepreneurial development and advocated for the establishment of a School of Business by every tertiary institution that will focus on business oriented.
Adebambo said the inclusion of a borderless classroom model not restricted to only resources provided by lecturers will broaden the students’ mind-set and give them ideas on value addition in all their areas of study.
In his address, the Chairman, Opolo-FUTA Supervisory Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Development Professor Sunday Oluyamo said the world is increasingly interconnected and the need for cross border collaboration in research and innovation is very crucial if the society must meet up with its challenges.
According to Oluyamo, “Collaboration is imperative in order to create sustainable solutions to global challenges such as political issues, climate change, environmental degradation and social inequality.” He said ensuring that research and innovation sustainability are inclusive and equitable across borders requires concerted efforts and commitment from all stakeholders.
Professor Oluyamo pointed out that some key strategies to achieve this would be to promote diversity and inclusion, build relationships, knowledge sharing, capacity building and advocacy for policy changes where necessary.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji said the focus of Opolo and the motto of FUTA are in sync and this makes the partnership of both parties appropriate. " And because we have common interests, it is easy to presume that we should be able to work together" she added.
The Vice Chancellor noted that with top officials of FUTA playing key roles on the Board of Opolo, there is no doubt that the university would be well served in present and future engagements.
There were interactive sessions and panel discussion by notable scientists namely Professor Ganiyu Oboh, Former Director, Centre for Research and Development, Professor Helen Ogunsuyi Former Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship, Engr. Adeyemi Bello President, FUTA Alumni Association Worldwide and Mr. Femi Kalejaiye Team Lead ?p?l? Global Innovation.
Dr Adesola Ikudayisi, Opolo-FUTA Fellow, while rounding off the event, saluted the students who attended the event and appreciated the officials of the University for supporting the initiative. She promised that Opolo and FUTA would continue to work together to enhance development of human capital and equip students with skills they need to thrive in the larger society since the vision of the organisation is to offer a springboard for innovators to succeed.
