The Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University )professor Hakeem Fawehinmi has identified greater investment in innovation, entrepreneurship and efficient logistics systems as critical drivers of sustainable development as he commended the federal University of Technology Akure FUTA for living up to this responsibility by organizing training and conferences in line with this demand.
Professor Fawehinmi gave the commendation and advice while delivering a keynote address during the 2026 International Conference of the School of Logistics and Innovation Technology, FUTA on the theme, “Harnessing Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Logistics Value Chain for Sustainable Development.” The keynote speaker urged government and financial institutions to provide easier access to funding, mentorship and business-friendly policies for entrepreneurs to thrive particularly small and medium scale enterprises which according to him form 95%o of businesses and means of livelihood in the nation. The keynote speaker explained that though Nigeria rarely suffers from a shortage of raw talent or ideas the critical failure lies in the connective tissue that synthesizes ideas into thriving self-reliance networks.
The key note speaker therefore stressed the need for collaboration among government agencies, private sector organizations, educational institutions and development partners with a call for increased investment in digital infrastructure, skills development, research and innovation hubs to prepare young people for emerging opportunities in the digital economy urging the academia to " promote interdisciplinary training and invest in university- industry linkages with structured internships with technology firms and applied research that solve specific Nigerian value chain problems just as the School Of Logistics and Innovation Technology SLIT, FUTA is doing."
Prof Fawehinmi reiterated that technological innovation is transforming industries by improving productivity, creating jobs and enhancing access to essential services stressing that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital payment systems, smart agriculture and renewable energy solutions are helping businesses operate more efficiently while also improving the quality of life for citizens.
The lecturer also acknowledged the great impact of the Dangote refinery in the Nigerian economy and job creation for the growing youth population as he noted the need for government to pay attention to "pipeline corridor and improve depot to retail infrastructure to ensure refined products flow smoothly and maximize gain of increased domestic refining capacity."
Professor Fawehinmi equally highlighted the importance of a resilient logistics value chain in supporting sustainable development noting that efficient transportation, warehousing, supply chain management and digital tracking systems will reduce operational costs, minimize waste and ensure the timely delivery of goods and services " stronger logistics infrastructure would improve trade, food security and industrial competitiveness."
In a remark ,the Vice Chancellor of FUTA Professor Adenike Oladiji who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Professor Timothy Amos in line with the theme of the conference challenged stakeholders to move beyond the theoretical inquiry and foster stronger linkages among researchers , drivers of entrepreneurship ,innovation and efficient logistics and supply chains systems which she said is the very lifeblood of modern economies.
Oladiji affirmed ,"By harnessing technological innovation ,strengthening entrepreneurial capacity and building efficient logistics and supply chain systems, we can unlock new pathway for economic transformation and create lasting prosperity for our people."
In his welcome address ,the Dean School of logistics and Innovation Technology Professor Olayemi Simon-Oke explained that the alignment of technology innovation, Entrepreneurship and logistics value chain create available market that can meet the needs of the society and provide food and services as well as exportation for sustainable developments urging participants to maximize the outcome and impact of the conference through translation into concrete reality.
In his own remarks, the Chairman Planning and Award Committee for the Conference ,Professor Muftau Abayomi appreciated the Vice Chancellor , Professor Oladiji for her exemplary leadership and support to the school of logistics and innovation technology .
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