3 Lagos-based companies promise support for UNILORIN FETiCON 2026
By Mustafa Abubakar
Three Lagos-based business outfits have pledged support for the Faculty of Engineering and Technology International Conference (FETiCON) 2026 following a series of stakeholder engagement visits by the Faculty to DEM Controls Limited, IHS Towers and TotalEnergies.
The visits, held last Tuesday and Wednesday (April 27 and 28, 2026), were aimed at appreciating longstanding partners for their continued support while exploring new opportunities for collaboration to enhance Engineering education, innovation and infrastructure development within the Faculty, ahead of the International Conference (UNILORIN FETiCON) 2026.
At DEM Controls Limited, the delegation was received by the Chief Executive Officer, Engr Wale Akande, an alumnus of the University of Ilorin. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to enhance student development and innovation.
At the headquarters of IHS Towers, the delegation was received by its Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, Mr Kazeem Oladepo, alongside other senior officials of the organisation.
The team also visited TotalEnergies, where it was received by its Deputy Managing Director, Mr Victor Bandele, alongside distinguished alumni of the University of Ilorin within the organisation, with some participating virtually.
Speaking during the visits, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Joshua Olaoye, appreciated the longstanding support of the companies and emphasised the importance of sustained industry-academia collaboration in advancing Engineering education, innovation and infrastructure development.
Prof. Olaoye noted that the proposed initiatives, including the PCB Design Studio and the Design and Simulation Laboratory, are aimed at equipping students with relevant skills for emerging opportunities in Engineering and Technology.
Responding, the business leaders commended the vision of the Faculty and appreciated the visits, reaffirming their commitment to continued support for UNILORIN FETiCON 2026 and the development initiatives of the Faculty.
They noted that the proposals presented would undergo internal review processes and encouraged the development of detailed implementation frameworks, including Memoranda of Understanding and sustainability plans, to facilitate execution and approval.
Highlight of the visit was a proposal presentation for the establishment of a PCB Design Studio, described as a strategic and futuristic initiative capable of positioning students for emerging opportunities in Engineering and Technology.
Members of the delegation included Prof. O. A. Lasode, Prof. Temitope E. Odetoye, Prof. M. O. Summonu and Dr S. A. Yahaya, among others.
