…VC calls for strong analytical skills
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has stressed the importance of developing strong analytical and decision-making skills to improve accuracy and efficiency in critical aspects of personal and professional life.
Prof. Egbewole stated this recently at the 2025 International (Hybrid) Conference on Operations Research and Globalisation organised by the Operations Research Institute for Decision Sciences and Analysis of Nigeria (ORIDSAN), and hosted by the Ilorin Business School, University of Ilorin. It was held at the University Auditorium.
Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, noted that decisions are made constantly in human life at home, in the workplace, in research environments, markets, and administrative settings, and therefore must be approached using analytical processes for optimal outcomes.
The Vice Chancellor also appreciated the coordinator of the international collaboration from Mexico for identifying the University of Ilorin as a credible partner, saying that the recognition strengthens the University’s global partnerships and academic visibility.
Also speaking, the President of ORIDSAN, Dr Umar Muhammad Modibbo, commended the University of Ilorin for its hospitality and commitment to academic advancement.
He disclosed that the Association, founded in 2011, has been championing research, knowledge exchange, and professional development across sectors in Nigeria.
Dr Modibbo further revealed plans to collaborate with the University to introduce a Diploma Programme in Operations Research, explaining that the initiative will enable students to pursue certification and diploma-level qualifications that are relevant both locally and internationally.
Delivering a keynote lecture, titled “Operations Research and Globalisation: Optimising Decisions in an Interconnected World”, the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho, highlighted the crucial role of operational research in driving intelligent, fair, and sustainable global systems.
According to him, “Operations Research is not just about optimisation; it is about transforming data into wisdom and wisdom into impact.”
The Professor of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management identified global collaboration, evidence-based policy design, and cross-disciplinary partnerships as emerging opportunities, while pointing to digital transformation, AI integration, resilience, and ethical decision-making as defining trends shaping the future of the discipline.
Also speaking, the representative of IFORS, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico, Dr José-Fernando Camacho-Vallejo, stressed the importance of global knowledge exchange in solving modern-day challenges.
In their separate remarks, the Registrar, Dr Joseph Olusegun David and the former Registrar of the Institute, Chief Abdulfatahi Lawal, who also praised the University for hosting the conference, urged participants to translate research outcomes into practical solutions for society.
The programme also featured global academics and industry experts who explored contemporary advances in Operations Research, Artificial Intelligence, and Decision Science, including, IFORS President, Prof. Hector Cancela from Uruguay, and AFROS Vice President, Prof. Dave Evans from the United States.
Presentation of diverse research works from participants include study on multi-criteria decision-making for combating smuggling in Northeast Nigeria by Barma Modu, John Justice Emmanuel and Aliyu Huzaifa Babando, while linear programming for optimal production planning in Minna was presented by Fesojaye M.O. and Micheal V.A., Also, paper on critical path scheduling in Abuja construction projects came from Usman B. Danfulani, Tukur Halima and Hassan Musa; works on transportation cost minimisation using OR techniques and product mix optimisation using linear programming were presented by Abogunrin Q. O., Garba M.K., Noah R.O. and Yahya W. B., and Noah R.O., Garba M.K., Abogunrin Q.O. and Bolakale A., respectively.
Imam Akeyede and Shakirudeen A. Yusuf discussed optimising daily nutrition at minimum cost in Lafia, while Odiakosa Osita, Prof. Iwundu M.P. and Prof. Orumie U.C. presented a redesigned super-convergent algorithm for quadratic programming, while a bakery profit maximisation model was shared by Vic’s Delight case team; and a machine-learning dropout prediction model was presented by Mijinyawa M. and Alim Lukman Ibrahim. Library security and theft prevention solutions were proposed by Mohammed Sule; big data applications in transport company performance by Ofobruku Sylvester Abomeh and Otuedon Blessing Peter, ODE solvers for AI by Favour O. Oloruntoba, and AI and business efficiency in banking by Ofobruku S. Abomeh, Godspower Oyor and Omorodion Davidson Empress Ivie.
Dignitaries present included the Registrar of the University, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal, who was represented by Mr Muhammad Akanbi, Deans and Heads of Departments, Professors and senior academic staff, administrative officers, and students.
