By Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reaffirmed that collaboration is key to the development of higher education globally, noting that meaningful partnerships remain central to advancing teaching, research, and innovation.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Wednesday (November 12, 2025) while declaring open the 3rd International Conference of the Environmental Sciences (ICES 2025) jointly-organised by the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Ilorin and the Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Estonia, held at the University Auditorium.
The Vice Chancellor, who is also a Board Member of the African Consortium for Law and Religious Studies (ACLARS), noted that the synergy between the University of Ilorin and the Tallinn University of Technology shows that the relationship between the Global South and the Global North is gaining strength and improving through purposeful cooperation.
Prof. Egbewole disclosed that both institutions had, a day before the conference, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening cooperation in research, academic exchange, and staff and student development.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration would improve the future of learning in both universities and open new opportunities for students and staff to engage meaningfully with the global academic community.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Evolving Technologies for Sustainable Futures: Integrating Construction Vocational Training and Workforce Development for the Built Environment” Prof. Egbewole described the conference as timely and reflective of the global educational shift towards technology-driven learning and sustainable development.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Ganiyu Amuda-Yusuf, University of Ilorin, described the conference as a milestone in the Faculty’s quest to strengthen global partnerships and enhance capacity building.
He explained that the synergy between UNILORIN and TalTech will foster new perspectives in environmental research, vocational education, and construction workforce development.
Prof. Amuda-Yusuf noted that the Faculty of Environmental Sciences has remained a pacesetter in bridging theory and practice in the built environment disciplines. The Dean expressed optimism that the deliberations at the Conference would generate implementable solutions to the challenges facing construction technology, sustainable infrastructure, and workforce competency in Nigeria and beyond.
Prof. Amuda-Yusuf added that the conference is strategically positioned to enhance the University’s visibility and to encourage transnational collaboration in research, technology transfer, and professional training within the environmental sciences.
While delivering the keynote address, Prof. Emlyn Witt of Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia, provided deep insights into emerging global technologies that promote resilient, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious construction practices.
His presentation, as a distinguished scholar known for his pioneering research in sustainable environmental design, strengthened participants’ understanding of the link between technological advancement and sustainability in the built environment.
Prof. Witt’s participation further reflects the University’s growing ties with leading international institutions committed to environmental and technological innovation.
The Guest Speaker, Prof. Henry Agboola Odeyinka of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife who is also a renowned authority in Construction Economics, discussed evolving paradigms in construction workforce training and their implications for sustainable national development.
The Conference attracted distinguished researchers, industry professionals, and policy makers from across the built environment disciplines.
Also present at the event were the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. Rotimi Olusanya Arise; the immediate past Dean of Environmental Sciences, Dr N. A. Bello; the Director, Centre for International Education, Prof. Lateef Onireti Ibraheem; the Kwara State Commissioner for Housing & Urban Development, Dr Segun Ogunsola; and the Rector International Vocational & Entrepreneurship College (IVTEC), Ajase-Ipo, Dr Yaru Swanru Salihu, among several others.
