Inaugural Lectures
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Item BEYOND CONCEPTS AND CONCRETE: PATHWAYS FOR ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN 21ST CENTURY NIGERIA(Nile University of Nigeria, 2025-10-30) Mambo Abdulhameed Danjuma“And do not cause corruption upon the earth after it has been set in order. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.” — Surah Al-A’raf (7:56) “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” — Robert Swan The Vice Chancellor, esteemed colleagues, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen. As we gather here today, we stand at a pivotal moment in our shared journey toward a sustainable future. The challenges we face are daunting: climate change, urbanization, and resource depletion loom large over our aspirations. Yet, within these challenges lies an extraordinary opportunity—an opportunity to redefine our built environment and to forge pathways that lead us toward resilience and harmony with our planet. This inaugural lecture, titled “Beyond Concept and Concrete: Pathways for Sustainable Buildings and Infrastructure in 21st Century Nigeria,” invites us to transcend abstract ideals and concrete structures. It is a clarion call for action, urging us to integrate sustainability into the very fabric of our communities and to innovate boldly in the face of adversity. Today, we will explore not just the urgent need for change but the actionable pathways that can lead us there. Together, we will envision a Nigeria where sustainable practices are the norm, where our cities breathe life rather than consume it, and where every building is a testament to our commitment to future generations. Let us embark on this journey together, fuelled by hope, guided by knowledge, and united in purpose. The time to act is now, and each of us has a role to play in shaping a sustainable legacy for our beloved country. Welcome to this important dialogue and let us begin.Item EMPOWERING SOCIETY: THE ENGINEER’S MANDATE TO INNOVATE IN A DISRUPTIVE WORLD(Nile University of Nigeria, 2025-05-08) Gimba Abdullahi SBA‘ūdhubillāhi as-Samī‘il-‘Alīm mina ash-shaytānir-rajīm. Bismillāhi ar-Rahmāni ar-Rahīm. In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful, I humbly begin. I seek His protection from Shaytān, the accursed, and I ask His guidance, for it is He alone who grants knowledge, strength, and the ability to fulfil our duties. Surah Al-Fātihah (Q1:1–7) reminds us: In the name of Allah the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah - Lord of all the worlds. The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us along the Straight Path—the path of those You have blessed, not of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray. And as Surah Ar-Rahmān (Q55:13) asks so profoundly: Then which of the favours of your Lord will you deny? It is with profound gratitude to Almighty Allah—the Source of every favour and every opportunity - that I rise to deliver this Fourth Inaugural Lecture of Nile University of Nigeria, titled: Empowering Society: The Engineer’s Mandate to Innovate in a Disruptive World Today, I stand not merely to recount achievements or discuss ideas, but to share a deeper reflection: a professional and personal journey woven with purpose, and a vision entrusted by duty. As the first Professor of Petroleum and Gas Engineering at this institution, I approach this moment with humility and with a sense of sacred responsibility - to bear witness to the possibilities of knowledge when anchored in values, and to envision an engineering practice that serves both present needs and future hopes. An Inaugural Lecture, in its truest sense, is not merely a presentation to colleagues. It is a bridge - between the “Gown” and the “Town” - between the scholarly enclave and the wider society whose destiny it seeks to uplift. It is an invitation to dialogue: to think together, to dream together, and to act together. Drawing from a career that spans Petroleum Engineering, Digital Innovation, Energy Transition research, the Circular Economy, and Engineering Education, I shall offer insights into how Engineering must adapt to a world that is increasingly volatile, complex, and uncertain. The research presented today emerges not in isolation, but through collaboration with students, colleagues, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. From doctoral studies on coal and reservoir simulation, to work on carbon capture and hydrogen energy, from contributions to gas condensate systems and AI-driven oilfield optimization, to the development of sustainable drilling fluids and biochar for soil health, each project reflects an enduring commitment: to move Engineering from the realm of theory into an engine for equity, resilience, and national development. Yet, this Lecture is not about technology alone. It is about a mandate - a call to reimagine the Engineer not just as a builder of systems, but as a steward of society; Grounded in timeless values, Anchored in the aspirations of communities, Equipped to solve complex challenges with humility, courage, and creativity. I am profoundly grateful to the Council, Management, and Senate of Nile University of Nigeria, under the visionary leadership of our Vice Chancellor, Professor Dilli Dogo, FNAMed., for granting me this opportunity to serve and speak. I also extend sincere appreciation to the Honoris United Universities Network, whose pan-African vision strengthens the work of connecting excellence to purpose across borders. As we embark upon this intellectual journey, I invite each one present - scholars, students, professionals, and esteemed members of the wider community - to listen not as distant spectators, but as active participants in a conversation about the future: A future where Engineering is not confined to calculations and blueprints, but rises as an instrument of compassion, creativity, and transformative impact. May this Lecture spark reflection, stir imagination, and strengthen our collective resolve to empower society - through Engineering - for the good of generations yet unborn. With humility and hope, I now begin.Item Entrepreneurship As A Development Architecture: The Lamino Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Achievement Process (Leeap) For Emerging Economies(Nile University of Nigeria, 2026-05-20) Abubakar Hauwa LaminoBefore I proceed, permit me to ask a few important questions, not just as an academic, but as a mother, facilitator, mentor, entrepreneur, consultant, philanthropist, and female leader who has walked this journey from multiple vantage points. How many of our graduates today are primarily preparing for employment in government ministries or private institutions, rather than preparing to become employers of labour? Nigeria’s labour market faces a significant mismatch between graduate output and available formal jobs, particularly in government ministries and parastatals. While the official unemployment rate stood at 5.3 per cent in Q1 2024, youth unemployment is higher at 8.4 per cent, with many more underemployed or engaged in informal work (NBS, 2024). The majority of Nigerians, about 92 per cent of employed adults, work in the informal sector, and nearly 87 per cent are self-employed, often in low-productivity activities (NBS, 2023). Despite this, many students and graduates still primarily aim for government employment, preparing for civil service or parastatal roles, yet the formal public sector cannot absorb the growing number of graduates, highlighting a critical need to shift focus toward creating entrepreneurs and employers of labour. How many unemployed youths are not lacking intelligence, creativity, or ambition, but are constrained by limited exposure, weak entrepreneurial mindset development, or the absence of structured support systems? Many unemployed Nigerian youths are not lacking in intelligence, creativity, or ambition; rather, they face structural and systemic barriers that limit their ability to participate effectively in the economy. These barriers include inadequate exposure to practical work environments, weak entrepreneurial mindset development, insufficient access to mentorship and structured support programs, and limited integration into functional industry ecosystems. As a result, many capable graduates remain underutilised, unable to convert their skills and potential into sustainable employment or business ventures. Studies show that systemic gaps, rather than individual deficits, constrain youth entrepreneurship and employment in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa (Ofosu Appiah, Boahen, & Agbenyegah, 2025). Research also indicates that while entrepreneurial and digital skills can enhance employability, current educational and skills development programs often fail to provide practical, market-aligned capabilities, leaving many graduates unprepared for self-employment or innovative enterprise creation (Muse, 2022; Adewole, 2024; Nkoro, 2025). This underscores the urgent need for policies and interventions that promote skills application, entrepreneurship, and structured pathways to self-employment. Although Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) constitute the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, the majority of such businesses remain survivalist rather than opportunity driven ventures, struggling to scale despite the talent, resilience, and determination of their founders. According to the SMEDAN & NBS (2021) survey, about 92.3 per cent of MSMEs operate at the micro level, with only a small fraction progressing to small or medium scale, illustrating how structural constraints, such as limited access to long term capital, poor market integration, infrastructure deficits, and weak institutional support, continue to inhibit growth potential (SMEDAN & NBS, 2021). Studies further show that many Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly youth led ventures, face challenges in securing formal financing, networking opportunities, and business development services necessary for scaling, indicating that entrepreneurial talent alone is insufficient to overcome systemic barriers to expansion (PwC, 2024; Eze, 2024). And how many well-intentioned policies fail to produce lasting impact, not because policymakers lack commitment, but because ecosystems lack coordination, integration, and measurable alignment? Many well-intentioned entrepreneurship and youth employment policies in Nigeria continue to underperform not due to lack of intent, but because of fragmentation, weak coordination, and poor ecosystem alignment. Evidence indicates that although numerous programmes exist, they are often implemented as isolated initiatives without integration into broader development strategies, resulting in limited systemic impact; studies have found no significant reduction in youth unemployment due largely to weak governance frameworks and poor coordination (Adeleye et al., 2023; Central Bank of Nigeria, 2022; Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, 2022). While MSMEs account for over 96% of businesses, contribute about 46–49% of GDP, and nearly 85– 88% of employment, more than 90% remain micro-enterprises with low productivity and growth potential, highlighting a disconnect between policy inputs and transformative outcomes (PwC, 2020; SMEDAN, 2022). Furthermore, recent programme data show that job creation and enterprise support figures, though positive, remain marginal relative to Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population, reinforcing concerns about scale and sustainability (SMEDAN, 2025). This suggests that without stronger inter-agency alignment, integrated ecosystem support (finance, skills, and market access), and robust monitoring and evaluation systems, policy efforts will continue to produce limited and unsustainable impact. These realities underscore a fundamental proposition: The challenge is not merely individual capability! The challenge is systemic alignment! The answer lies not simply in producing more graduates, launching more programmes, or funding isolated interventions. It lies in building integrated, measurable, and coordinated entrepreneurial ecosystems. Just as a seed cannot grow in infertile soil, an entrepreneur cannot thrive in an environment that lacks supportive institutions, accessible finance, clear regulations, mentorship networks, market linkages, infrastructure, and a culture that encourages innovation and responsible risk-taking. The entrepreneur is the seed. The ecosystem is the soil. The fertility, coordination, and resilience of that soil determine whether innovation flourishes or withers. It is therefore our collective responsibility, as academics, policymakers, regulators, investors, development partners, industry leaders, and civil society actors, to cultivate and enrich this soilItem HEALTH MESSAGING: CURRENCY FOR TODAY, SAVINGS FOR TOMORROW(Nile University of Nigeria, 2024-07-18) Obilade Titilola TitilayoVice Chancellor Sir, indeed, I am humbly elated and grateful for the opportunity given to be the first inaugural lecturer of this erudite institution and the first female inaugural lecturer. History is being made here today. As I stand here this day, the task before me is herculean because I am the first inaugural speaker and like the first, it would certainly be subjected to very critical analysis. Subsequent speakers will read my lecture as a yard stick. I respectfully stand here and hope my delivery would be exemplary for years to come. Section 1(3) of the sixth edition of the National Policy on Education (NPE, 2014) states that Nigeria’s philosophy of education is based on the following set of beliefs: • Education is an instrument for national development and social change; • Education is vital for the promotion of a progressive and united Nigeria; • Education maximises the creative potentials and skills of the individual for selffulfillment and general development of the society. There are different types of inaugural lectures. Although it was not required by the American constitution, George Washington, the first American president gave the first presidential inaugural address on April 30, 1979. Oxford University existed since the 12th Century and my research has shown evidence of inaugural lectures in that institution as far back as 18th and 19th centuries. Charles Oman an historian gave his inaugural lecture, titled, “Study of History” at Oxford University on the 7th February, 1906 (Oman, 1906). In his lecture, he made references to several Professors from Oxford who had given their inaugural years earlier. One of these Professors was Bishop William Stubbs, a Regius Professor of History who gave his inaugural lecture as far back as 7th February 1867 (Koch, 2010). In Nigeria, the first professorial inaugural lecture on record at the University of Ibadan repository was given by Professor M. O. Oyawoye, a Professor of Geology at the University of Ibadan in 1972 (Oyawoye, 1972). The title of his lecture was Politics and Economics of Mineral Resources in Developing Countries (Oyawoye,1972). Twenty-four years earlier, the University College Ibadan as it was then called had an inaugural lecture on its foundation day, 17th November, 1948 delivered by Professor Christopherson, a Professor of English (Christopherson, 1948). The title of his lecture was Bilingualism. According to Afigbo, (1975) and Ogunye (1981), a professorial inaugural lecture can cover three areas, i. Where the lecturer is also the occupant of the chair to which the headship of the department is attached, the lecture can concentrate on the development of the department. ii. The inaugural lecture can be a discussion of the professor’s own work within the general framework of his discipline: that is an analysis of the ideas which have guided his work, the techniques he has applied, the results he has achieved, his plans for the future, etc – in short, an attempt by the professor to locate where he stands in the mainstream of his profession. iii. Finally, where neither of the above is attempted for whatever reason, the inaugural lecture could be anything under the sun on which the professor considers that he has something fresh and stimulating to tell his audience. Mr. Vice Chancellor Sir, in alignment with the National Policy on Education, this evening my treatise shall take the last two objectives of an inaugural as stated above. The first part shall be an analysis of the theories that have guided my work, the research work done by me and others. The second part shall be the results achieved and the way forward.Item MACHINE INTELLIGENCE VS HUMAN INTELLIGENCE: CAN MACHINES OUTPERFORM HUMANS?(Nile University of Nigeria, 2024-10-17) Adeshina Steve A.Vice Chancellor Sir, It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this inaugural lecture, where we will embark on a fascinating journey into the realm of intelligence—a concept that has captivated philosophers and scientists for centuries. Today, we stand at the intersection of human and machine intelligence, exploring how our understanding of cognition has paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence. This lecture will begin by defining intelligence in both human and machine contexts, tracing its origins from cognitive psychology and neuroscience to the sophisticated algorithms that now drive modern AI systems. We will delve into how human traits such as adaptability, creativity, and emotional depth have inspired the development of brain-inspired AI, leading to machines that can learn and adapt in ways once thought impossible. As we delve deeper, our focus will shift to the evolution of both human and machine intelligence. We will examine the rapid advancements that have characterized recent developments in AI, including large language models and computer vision technologies. These innovations have not only transformed industries such as healthcare and transportation but have also introduced new possibilities for enhancing diagnostic precision and personalizing medical treatments. The discussion will highlight the significant strides made in replicating human visual capabilities through computer vision and how these technologies are being employed to address real-world challenges, from disease detection to autonomous vehicles. In concluding this lecture, we will explore the collaborative potential of human and machine intelligence. While machines excel in data processing and repetitive tasks, they still lack the creative and ethical dimensions of human cognition. The future lies in harnessing the strengths of both, fostering a synergy that combines human ingenuity with machine efficiency. This collaborative approach is exemplified by advances in generative AI and large language models, which are pushing the boundaries of what machines can achieve. As we reflect on these developments, we are invited to rethink our understanding of intelligence, creativity, and the transformative power of technology in shaping our future. Professor Steve A. Adeshina Professor of Computer Vision and Engineering Thursday, 17th October 2024Item MODERN TRENDS AND ISSUES IN AFRICAN REVOLUTION: A NEW PERSPECTIVE IN AFRICAN POLITIC(Nile University of Nigeria, 2025-01-21) Enwerer ChigozieVice Chancellor Sir, I give all glory and honour to the Almighty God, the source of wisdom for this privilege He has given me to deliver the 3rd Inaugural Lecture of this great University. I also like to thank the Vice Chancellor, Professor Dilli Dogo, with whose permission I stand here today before the distinguished audience. Mr Vice Chancellor Sir, the inaugural lecture of today is the first in the Faculty of Social Sciences and the first in the Department of Political Science and International Relations. However, strategic studies and African politics were made fascinating to me by Professor Aja Akpuru-Aja of Abia State University who supervised my Masters Degree Dissertation and Professor Mohammadu Wada of University of Abuja who supervised my Ph.D. Thesis. They encouraged me to study Africa political thought and philosophy, which stirred in me the passion to carry out an investigation on the new concept of African revolution. My years of research on this subject area motivated me to write a book titled “Issues in Africa Politics”. This book was published by Galda Verlag, Germany and are in many libraries in Europe, Asia and United States of America including German National Library Leipzig, Freie University, Berlin and Harvard University, USA to mention but a few. Moreover, this study on African Revolution has sharpened academic orientations to reveal that African revolution is more than a political struggle but an act of emancipation aimed at eliminating foreign domination of African politics and economy as well as a revolt against colonialism, neo-colonialism and the infiltration of Africa by neo-liberal ideologies. Therefore, African revolution is driven not particularly by Marxist ideologies but by the philosophies and political thoughts of Frantz Fanon; who was a French Afro-Caribbean psychiatrist, political philosopher and Amilcar Cabral; who was a revolutionary leader and theorist from Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. It is designed to correct the negative perceptions of revolution in Africa. African revolution has been misinterpreted by scholars in Europe, Asia and USA. Their deleterious insight of revolution in Africa has resulted in labelling African revolution as Arab Spring or coup d’état thereby limiting revolution as an estimable political act seen only in the political evolution of Western Europe and United States of America. When revolutions occur in Africa, its meaning and scope is limited to acts of terrorism or insurgence, therefore, this study attempts to conceptualize the basic issues in African revolution. I stand here today to present and share this research work that has received international attention and readership before my learned colleagues and distinguished audience. Mr Vice Chancellor Sir, I am deeply honoured and humbled by the presence of everyone and I treasure this privilege to deliver this inaugural lecture titled: Modern Trends and Issues in African Revolution: A New Perspective in African Politics. Professor Chigozie ENWERE BS.c (Hons), M.Sc, Ph.D Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies January 2025Item Navigating the Future of Ai in Research: Innovations, Ethics, and Global Impact(Nile University of Nigeria, 2026-01-20) Kirubakaran PremaThe Vice Chancellor, esteemed guests, respected colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I begin by expressing profound gratitude to Almighty God for His grace and faithfulness, which have made this inaugural lecture possible. It is with deep humility and immense joy that I welcome you to this intellectual engagement on Artificial Intelligence an area that has evoked both global enthusiasm and profound reflection regarding its promise and its perils. Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of contemporary technological evolution, ushering in an unprecedented era of innovation across diverse sectors including healthcare, finance, education, transportation, and creative industries. Powered largely by advances in machine learning, AI systems are reshaping economic ecosystems and influencing everyday human activity at remarkable scale and speed [1], [2]. Contemporary developments such as generative AI, large language models, and emerging 3D and multimodal systems continue to redefine human–machine interaction. Initiatives aimed at democratizing AI further highlight the urgency of responsible access, ethical governance, and human oversight [3]. This lecture therefore introduces the foundations of computer science through the prism of AI and traces its convergence with quantum computing. Despite their computational superiority in data-intensive and repetitive tasks, machines remain devoid of intrinsic creativity, moral reasoning, and ethical consciousness. The future of intelligence lies in a synergistic integration of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing (QC), combining computational power with human judgment and values [4]. Professor Prema Kirubakaran Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing