Campus News

Technology designed to ease human effort, not replace it – NASRDA DG

By Bashir Dawodu

The Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Matthew Olumide Adepoju, has emphasised that emerging technologies are not meant to replace human labour but to enhance and ease such efforts.

Dr Adepoju stated this last Tuesday (May 20, 2025), during the 3rd (Hybrid)Lecture Series, Awards and Endowment Funds organised by the Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin at the University Auditorium. The programme was themed “Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Advancement in Science and Sustainable Development”.

The Director-General, who was represented by Engr Fidelis Mandalla, said technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), have revolutionised scientific research, especially in areas like drug discovery, data analysis, and predictive modeling.

            He also noted the profound impact of biotechnology on medicine, agriculture, and environmental sciences.

“Technology is not here to take away jobs but to make tasks easier and more efficient,” he said.

He added that “today, you can shop from your home and have it delivered instantly. You can even attend events without physically being present.”

However, Dr Adepoju acknowledged several challenges in adopting emerging technologies, including resistance to change, high implementation costs, shortage of skilled personnel, and ethical concerns.

Despite these hurdles, the Guest Speaker maintained that collaboration between the government and private sector is essential for accelerated technological progress.

Dr Adepoju, therefore, called for support for inventors so as to make the society easier to live in.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology, and Innovation), Prof. Muktar Etudaiye, commended the Faculty of Physical Sciences for consistently organising the lecture series.

The Vice Chancellor explained that technological innovations like Artificial Intelligence are inevitable in the contemporary world. He encouraged the responsible use of emerging technologies.

In his goodwill message,the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highesss, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari,CFR, praised the Faculty for its commitment to research and community enlightenment.

The Emir, who was represented by the Alangua Owode in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Umaru Kayode Sidiq, also reaffirmed the continuous support of the Ilorin Emirate for the University of Ilorin.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Baba Abdullahi Alafara, expressed his satisfaction with the Faculty’s role in showcasing the relevance of emerging technologies in addressing critical issues such as climate change, food security, and healthcare.

The Dean appreciated the Vice Chancellor Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and his entire management team for their unwavering support for  the Faculty so far especially for the programme.

            Prof. Alafara also acknowledged the support of the attendees  and all those who watched the programme online.

In her opening address, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the programme, Prof. Olubunmi A. Fadipe-Joseph, urged scholars and researchers to embrace emerging technologies for national growth and global competitiveness.

She highlighted the Faculty’s commitment to fostering development through scholarships, research grants, and infrastructure.

The highlights of the event included the presentation of awards and recognition of donors as well as individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science, education and public service.

Dignitaries present at the event included the  Registrar of the University of Ilorin, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi; and various Deans, Directors, and Heads of Departments, among others.