Campus News

Let’s integrate technology into research, training – Egbewole

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reiterated the indispensability of technology in modern research and teaching, urging researchers to integrate it into their academic activities.

He made this assertion last Wednesday (January 8, 2025) while declaring open the Faculty of Clinical Sciences’ Public Lecture and Research Workshop, organised in collaboration with the Offa Descendants’ Union North America (ODUNA), at the University Auditorium.  

While explaining the indispensability of technology in driving institutional processes and societal advancements, Prof. Egbewole said technology has come to stay, and it is now a necessity, not an option.

While expressing optimism about the outcomes of the lecture, Prof. Egbewole said, “It is my hope that by the end of this lecture, we will have actionable strategies to improve our teaching and research methods. More importantly, we must extend the benefits of these innovations to our communities, ensuring that the impact of our work is felt in the society.” 

The Vice Chancellor commended the collaboration between the Faculty of Clinical Sciences and ODUNA, describing it as a significant milestone in the University’s drive for meaningful partnerships. He said, “For deeming it fit to collaborate with ODUNA to organise this Public Lecture, I extend my heartfelt commendations. This partnership reflects the priorities of this Administration, which is deeply committed to fostering impactful collaborations.”

In his lecture, titled “Living Life on a Mission: Career Path of an Intervention Radiologist”, the Guest Lecturer, Dr Hammed Ninalowo, charged stakeholders in the Country to prioritise collaboration between government agencies, private investors, and academic institutions as the possible way of advanced medicine in Nigeria.

Dr Ninalowo, a renowned medical expert in the field of interventional Radiology, underscored the immense potential Nigeria holds in achieving globally competitive healthcare standards, adding that advance medicine is possible in Nigeria only if people are ready to sacrifice.

               He emphasised the importance of strategic investment in infrastructure, training, and research, coupled with the efficient use of local resources.

               Dr Ninalowo noted that “Nigeria has the talent, the determination, and the resources to achieve advanced medical breakthroughs”, lamenting, however, that people are not ready to give back to their country”. According to him, “What we need is a unified commitment to building systems that empower our healthcare professionals, encourage innovation, and ensure access to quality care for all.”

               Dr Ninalowo also commended the University of Ilorin for fostering academic excellence and creating platforms for meaningful dialogue on pressing healthcare issues, adding that “Institutions like UNILORIN play a critical role in shaping the future of healthcare by nurturing talents and driving research.”

               Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Prof. Lukman O. Abdurrahman, said that the Faculty is committed to addressing the healthcare needs of Nigerians through research, education, and community service.

Prof. Abdurrahman stressed the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackling the country’s healthcare challenges, such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, shortage of healthcare personnel, and limited access to healthcare services.

He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the academia, healthcare providers, and the community in finding solutions to the country’s healthcare challenges.

While explaining that the Public Lecture was part of the efforts of the Faculty to promote healthcare development and education in Nigeria, the Dean said that the Faculty of Clinical Sciences has established itself as a center of excellence in medicalology education and research in Nigeria.

Prof. Abdurrahman said that by seeking solutions to the country’s healthcare challenges, the Faculty is demonstrating its commitment to improving the health and well-being of the Nigerian people.

Speaking on behalf of the ODUNA, the Acting Director of the University Health Services, Dr Rasheed Odunola, appreciated the University for accommodating the Association, which he said was established to address health issues of Offa indigenes and other Nigerians at home and abroad.

               He promised continued collaboration in the interest of the University at large , calling on others to join the association in making the country health system  unique for all.