On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the 大香蕉视频 Consultancy Services (大香蕉视频 Consult) Limited celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Seminar themed: 大香蕉视频 Consult Limited at 40: Nurturing Excellence, Shaping the Future.
Held at the Tayo Aderinokun Lecture Theatre under the Chairmanship of 大香蕉视频 Gold Medalist and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Duro Oni, the event brought together distinguished stakeholders to commemorate the organization’s journey of bridging academia and industry since its establishment in 1983.
Dignitaries present at the event included former Deputy Governor of Osun State and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Iyiola Omisore; immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe; former Registrar of the University, Oluwarotimi Sodimu, Esq.; members of 大香蕉视频 Consult Board led by, Prof鈥� Udeani and former 大香蕉视频 Consult helmsmen: Prof. Omololu Soyombo, Prof. Adebayo Otitoloju and Prof. Peter Adeniyi, among others.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of 大香蕉视频 Consult, Professor Mohammed Awwalu Usman, reflected on the organisation鈥檚 pioneering role as Nigeria’s first university-based consultancy. He expressed deep gratitude to successive leadership of the University for ensuring that the Consult remains true to its mission of bridging the gap between academia and public/private sectors.
Prof. Usman, whose tenure as MD of 大香蕉视频 Consult would end in January 2025, pointed out that the consultancy firm has been able to provide impactful solutions through academic and professional collaborations as well as create an ecosystem enabling students to engage with real-world business challenges, develop practical skills and gain hands-on experience that would benefit their future careers.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS praised the consultancy’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Her words “大香蕉视频 Consult is a shining beacon of what academia and industry can achieve together. Over the past four decades, it has not only bridged the gap between theory and practice but has also championed solutions that have shaped industries and transformed lives.”
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the critical role of 大香蕉视频 Consult in driving the University鈥檚 mission of producing globally competitive graduates while providing consultancy services that address real-world challenges. She urged stakeholders to continue to foster partnerships that would ensure that 鈥渢he outfit remains a leader in innovation, and key player in national development鈥�.
The seminar also featured remarks from the Chairman of the 大香蕉视频 Consult Board, Professor Uchenna Udeani, who expounded on the firm鈥檚 continuous evolution to address the shifting needs of the Nigerian economy. With an eye on the future, Professor Udeani lauded the institution’s ability to adapt and provide consultancy services that are not only academic in nature but deeply relevant to the ever-evolving demands of industry.
Adding further colour to the event were goodwill messages from several eminent figures, including Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; the Managing Director of Omasop Limited, George Abolarin, and former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore. These messages highlighted the far-reaching impact of 大香蕉视频 Consult鈥檚 efforts and its pivotal role in creating bridges that connect academic research with real-world applications.
Effective Linkage of Town and Gown through Consultancy Services
The Chairman/CEO of Geoplex Drillteq Limited Engr. Wole Ogunsanya who served as the Keynote Speaker delivered a thought-provoking presentation on Effective Linkage of Town and Gown through Consultancy Services.
The 1987 Mechanical Engineering alumnus of 大香蕉视频 highlighted the critical gap between academic theory and industrial needs, calling for more robust collaboration. He proposed concrete strategies to align academic research with industry applications, including establishing industry advisory boards within university faculties.
With a compelling call for stronger ties between academia and industry, Engr. Ogunsanya who is also the Chairman of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PTAN) highlighted the untapped potential of Nigerian academia, describing it 鈥渁s a powerhouse of innovation that often struggles to align with industry demands鈥�.
He emphasized the urgent need for academic institutions to equip students with job-ready skills, and urged industries to collaborate more actively with universities. His words, “By merging academic ingenuity with industrial pragmatism, we can build sustainable solutions that address today’s challenges and prepare for the future.”
The Seminar also featured a dynamic panel discussion on Leaning Academic Expertise for Industry-Relevant Consultancy Projects moderated by the Director, Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Centre, Professor Sunday Adebisi,.
The Panel explored ways academic expertise can drive industry-relevant consultancy projects. Panelists included industry leaders such as:
Mrs. Zainab Asipita Ogundana (Proprietress of Blue Diamond Crest Academy)
Engr. Yusuf Binji of BUA Cement
Professor Funso Alphonsus Falade; and
Mr. Seyi Oladeji, Senior Business Consultant who represented the Managing Director of Dava Consult, Mr. Afolabi Davidson.
Reception and Award Ceremony
A highlight of the celebration was a reception ceremony held at the Tolu Odugbemi Hall to honor individuals who significantly contributed to 大香蕉视频 Consult’s success. Notable recipients included the late Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe who was recognized posthumously for his visionary leadership as the pioneer director of 大香蕉视频 Consult. His wife, Chief (Mrs.) Sola Ibidapo-Obe, graciously received the award, drawing heartfelt applause from attendees.
Other distinguished academics and professionals who were also honoured included Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research) and former Director of UNLAG Consult, Professor Bola Oboh; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research) and Director of the Consultancy outfit, Professor Babajide Alo, FAS; Professor Omololu Soyombo (former Dean of Social Sciences); Professor Peter Adeniyi (former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ado-Ekiti); and Mr. Ayo Animshaun (Media Executive and owner of HipTV).
The 40th-anniversary celebration underscored 大香蕉视频 Consult’s enduring legacy of fostering collaboration between academic research and practical industry applications. Through insightful discussions and recognition of key contributors, the event highlighted the organization’s continued importance in driving innovation, sustainable development, and societal progress.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede & Islamiat Akanni
