By Samuel Sunday
Professor Iyiola Olusola Oluwaleye of the Ekiti State University EKSU, has advocated transition of the Institution’s engineering research from the laboratory to real-world products that can benefit society and generate income for the university.
Professor Oluwaleye made the advocacy on Wednesday while delivering the 97th inaugural lecture of the Ekiti State University EKSU, held at the University main campus in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital.
Speaking on the theme “Heat Energy: The Crux for Human Survival on Earth,” the don noted that many completed projects are currently lying unused in the Engineering Faculty’s workshop and laboratory saying that researchers often create ideas, build machines on a small scale, test them, and publish the results, but the university rarely helps to turn these ideas into products that can be sold.
In his lecture, he emphasized on the importance of heat energy to human life, plant growth, food drying, transportation, and industrial activities as he explained that uncontrolled heat can cause harm and destruction.
While urging the Office of Research and Innovation Development (ORID) to take responsibility for identifying useful projects, supporting their further development, helping researchers secure patents, and preparing them for commercial use, the Professor of Mechanical Engineering maintained that lecturers cannot do this due to many teaching and administrative duties.
Noting that EKSU’s reward system for researchers is “below average,” Oluwaleye therefore solicited better incentives to encourage innovation and creative thinking as he stressed that the Engineering Faculty which can help the university generate more revenue if given more opportunities is underused.
He called on the University board to allow the faculty to handle some of the university’s ongoing projects such as producing chairs and furniture for lecture halls. Just as he equally suggested building a standard woodwork and fabrication workshop like the one in Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ogun State
The professor further advised the university to reduce dependence on electricity from BEDC and the State Independent Power Plant by installing renewable energy systems. He said Nigeria should also support local production of solar panels saying that relying on imported goods will not help national growth.
According to the expert, “Nigeria is blessed with natural and human resources, but continues to struggle because of greed, dishonesty, and corruption.
However, Professor Iyiola Olusola Oluwaleye, opined that without strong and fair punishment for corrupt acts, the country will not move forward.
In his remark, the vice chancellor of the University, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, revealed that EKSU has not less than 260 Professors, while only 97 inaugural lectures have been presented.
He said the university would continue to prioritize academic excellence and support faculties that can produce results that help the economy.
