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The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the 8th Annual International Conference of the Institute of Technology, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Engineer Alagbe Michael, has identified Agricultural Engineering and power as pivotal solutions to the challenges facing rural farming communities in Nigeria.
Speaking at the ongoing conference held at the Polytechnic’s Permanent Site, Engr. Alagbe encouraged participants to take full advantage of the gathering to share impactful experiences and challenge conventional ideas for national development.
He also called on all authors presenting at the conference to aim for outcomes that would help bridge the critical infrastructure gaps across the country.
Declaring the event open, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed—represented by the Deputy Rector, Administration, Dr. Awolola Olabisi—reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to generating ideas and innovations that would tackle Nigeria’s current challenges.
He urged attendees to be attentive and proactive throughout the sessions.
The lead paper at the conference was presented by Professor Olubunmi Makuolu, Head of the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, University of Ilorin.
In her presentation, Prof. Makuolu revealed that over 2.2 million Nigerians were displaced in 2024 due to the activities of Boko Haram and other related illegal groups.
She highlighted Nigeria’s overdependence on oil revenues, describing it as a major vulnerability, particularly in the face of global market fluctuations.
Prof. Makuolu emphasized that integrating engineering and technology holds the key to solving Nigeria’s pressing issues in national security, economic growth, and infrastructure.
She advocated for the adoption of innovative technologies such as drone surveillance, AI-powered security systems, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and digital transformation as strategic tools to unlock Nigeria’s full potential.
The conference continues with various paper presentations and discussions aimed at fostering sustainable development through technology and engineering innovations.
By Abubakar Umar
