By Dr. Metilelu Olumide Olusola
Introduction
In an era defined by rapid technological change and global knowledge exchange, universities are increasingly called upon to demonstrate their relevance beyond the classroom. The First Public Lecture of LASUSTECH represents a landmark in this journey, an occasion that celebrates intellectual rigour, societal engagement, and the University’s commitment to innovation. The event was well attended by academia, industry leaders, university collaborators, professional bodies, members of government, and friends of the University. It also showcased the dedicated efforts of the Chairman and members of the Governing Council, the Vice Chancellor and Senate, the University Management, and former students of the lecturer of the day. This inaugural lecture not only highlighted LASUSTECH’s scholarly excellence but also reflected a collective vision to contribute meaningfully to technological transformation locally, nationally, and globally.
I. From Institutional Emergence to Intellectual Voice
The First Public Lecture of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology marks a defining moment in the University’s academic journey. It signals a transition from institutional establishment to intellectual assertion, from building structures to shaping ideas. More than a ceremonial gathering, the lecture represents LASUSTECH’s public declaration of readiness to contribute meaningfully to knowledge production, innovation, and national development.
Across the world, universities are increasingly measured not only by the degrees they award, but by the relevance of the ideas they generate and share. By inaugurating its public lecture tradition, LASUSTECH positions itself within this global expectation: as a space where research meets society, where learning transcends classrooms, and where scholarship speaks directly to contemporary challenges.
The event therefore affirms the University’s academic maturity and its confidence to engage the public sphere with original, research-driven insights.
II. The Public Lecture as a Catalyst for Knowledge and Innovation
Within this context, the inaugural lecture delivered by Professor Abiodun Akinpelu Denloye,who currently serve as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) titled Lessons from Ants: Odyssey of the Insect Hunter, vividly captures the intellectual spirit that underpins LASUSTECH’s global outlook.
Drawing from entomological research, the lecture explores how the organisation, efficiency, adaptability, and resilience of ants mirror the principles that drive successful technological and social systems in the modern world. By translating scientific observation into broader lessons for innovation, sustainability, and problem-solving, the lecture demonstrates the power of public scholarship. It shows that knowledge, when openly shared; can illuminate complex issues, inspire interdisciplinary thinking, and offer practical insights for human development.
In this sense, the public lecture becomes more than an academic exercise; it becomes a living platform where science, technology, and society intersect.
The lecture also reinforces the idea that universities must serve as bridges between research and real-world application. By engaging scholars, students, industry professionals, policymakers, and the wider public in meaningful dialogue,
LASUSTECH strengthens its role as a generator and disseminator of knowledge that is both locally grounded and globally relevant.
III. Strategic Partnerships and the Pathway to Global Relevance
Building on some of LASUSTECH’s giant strides and its global orientation, the University’s impact is further strengthened by an expanding network of strategic collaborations that align seamlessly with Lagos State’s development priorities in education, technology, economic growth, infrastructure, and human capital development. Through partnerships with the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and GAC Motors in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, LASUSTECH integrates applied engineering, professional certification, industrial competence, and workforce readiness into its academic ecosystem.
Engagements with global technology leaders such as Huawei Nigeria and financial institutions like FirstBank Nigeria further strengthen digital innovation, financial inclusion, and technology-enabled learning. Complemented by academic linkages with Kumasi Technical University and the University of Lagos, these collaborations collectively advance a dynamic knowledge ecosystem that supports innovation, economic resilience, and the transformation of Lagos into a globally competitive, technology-driven society.
Within this context, the First Public Lecture is not an isolated academic milestone but a strategic instrument. It embodies LASUSTECH’s vision of becoming a hub for innovation, a contributor to policy-relevant knowledge, and a catalyst for societal transformation. Its impact extends beyond the lecture hall, shaping research culture, inspiring future scholars, and reinforcing the University’s place in the global knowledge economy.
IV. Marching Forward
The LASUSTECH’s First Public Lecture exemplifies how a university can assert its intellectual presence while connecting meaningfully with society. It demonstrates the synergy between rigorous research, interdisciplinary insight, and real-world application. Beyond the lecture itself, the University’s strategic collaborations with industry, professional bodies, and global partners ensure that ideas generated within its walls are translated into innovation, professional development, and societal benefit. This inaugural lecture sets a powerful precedent for future discourse, inspiring students, academics, and the public alike to engage with knowledge, technology, and progress with curiosity, purpose, and determination.
