Forging Paths to Excellence: Dr. A. T. Odebunmi Discusses OSPOLY’s Groundbreaking Multi-Disciplinary Conference and Latest Milestones
Introduction and Background
In an ever-evolving academic landscape, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree (OSPOLY) continues to make significant strides in promoting research and academic excellence. At the forefront of these efforts is Dr. Odebunmi A.T., the Director of Research and Publications. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Odebunmi provides insights into the upcoming OSPOLY Maiden Multi-Disciplinary Conference 2024, a landmark event poised to address critical issues such as economic resilience and security. This interview sheds light on the Polytechnic’s innovative initiatives, collaborations, and future aspirations, underlining its commitment to fostering a robust academic environment and contributing to national development.
Interview with Dr. Odebunmi A.T., Director of Research and Publications, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree
Q1: Can you give us an overview of the OSPOLY Maiden Multi-Disciplinary Conference 2024? What are the main objectives of this event?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: The OSPOLY Maiden Multi-Disciplinary Conference 2024 aims to foster academic collaboration and innovation across various disciplines. The main objectives are to address critical issues related to economic resilience and security, promote sustainable development, and provide a platform for researchers, professionals, and students to share their findings and ideas.
Q2: The conference theme is "Navigating Economic Resilience & Security Synergy: Charting a Sustainable Future for Nigeria." Can you elaborate on why this theme was chosen and its relevance to current global and national issues?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: This theme was chosen to address the pressing need for economic stability and security in Nigeria. It is highly relevant as it aligns with global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, especially in the face of economic uncertainties and security challenges. Our aim is to explore innovative solutions that can drive Nigeria towards a more resilient and secure future.
Q3: The sub-themes cover a wide range of topics from food security to the use of GPS in tackling security challenges. How were these sub-themes selected, and what do you hope to achieve through their discussions?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: The sub-themes were carefully selected to cover critical areas that impact economic resilience and security. By addressing topics like food security, green environment, and technology in security, we hope to generate comprehensive discussions that lead to actionable strategies for sustainable development. These discussions are expected to provide insights and practical solutions to these challenges.
Q4: What kind of participation are you expecting for this conference? Could you provide details on the types of attendees and speakers who will be contributing?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: We are expecting a diverse group of participants, including researchers, academicians, industry professionals, and students. The conference will feature keynote addresses, lead paper presentations, and technical sessions. Notable speakers include Prof. Victoria A. Bello and Dr. M. A. Tijani, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their respective fields.
Q5: One of the key highlights is the keynote address by Prof. Victoria A. Bello. Can you give us a preview of what her address will cover and why she was selected for this role?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: Prof. Victoria A. Bello was selected for her extensive expertise in real estate valuation and environmental studies. Her keynote address will focus on the intersection of economic resilience and sustainable development, providing valuable insights into how these areas can be harmonized to achieve long-term growth and stability
Q6: There are multiple sessions, including technical sessions and paper presentations. What can participants expect from these sessions, and how will they contribute to the conference's overall objectives.
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: Participants can expect engaging and informative sessions that cover a range of topics within the conference theme. These sessions will facilitate knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration among attendees. They will also contribute to the overall objectives by highlighting innovative research and practical solutions to the challenges discussed.
Q7: Could you provide more details about the call for papers and the selection process for submissions? What criteria are used to evaluate the abstracts?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: We invited submissions from researchers and professionals across various fields. The selection process involves a rigorous peer-review system where abstracts are evaluated based on relevance to the conference theme, originality, and contribution to knowledge. Accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings.
Q8: Can you tell us more about the Directorate of Research and Publications at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree? What are its main functions and responsibilities?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: The Directorate of Research and Publications oversees the institution’s research activities, ensuring they align with academic standards and contribute to societal development. It supports faculty and student research, manages publications, and fosters collaborations with external institutions.
Q9: How has the Directorate contributed to advancing research and academic excellence at Osun State Polytechnic? Can you share some notable achievements or projects?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: The Directorate has significantly advanced research by securing grants, publishing impactful research, and organizing academic events like this conference. Notable projects include studies on sustainable agriculture and technological innovations in education, which have gained national recognition.
Q10: What initiatives has the Directorate undertaken to foster collaboration between the Polytechnic and external academic and professional institutions?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: We have established partnerships with various universities and research institutions both locally and internationally. These collaborations include joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and collaborative publications, all aimed at enhancing the academic profile of our institution.
Q11: In what ways does the Directorate support faculty and student research, and what resources are available to them?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: We provide funding opportunities, research facilities, and access to academic journals and databases. Additionally, we offer workshops and training sessions to enhance research skills and promote best practices in academic writing and publication.
Q12: How does the Directorate ensure the research conducted aligns with national development goals and addresses pressing societal issues?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: Our research agenda is closely aligned with national development priorities. We encourage projects that address critical societal issues such as poverty alleviation, healthcare improvement, and environmental sustainability, ensuring our research has practical and impactful outcomes.
Q13: Can you discuss any ongoing or upcoming projects that the Directorate is particularly excited about?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: One of our exciting upcoming projects is a collaborative study on renewable energy solutions for rural communities. This project aims to develop sustainable and affordable energy sources that can significantly improve the quality of life in underserved are
Q14: How does the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, position itself within the Nigerian higher education landscape, and what sets it apart from other institutions?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: Osun State Polytechnic distinguishes itself through its commitment to producing employable graduates equipped with practical skills. Our focus on vocational and technical education, combined with state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry partnerships, sets us apart in the Nigerian higher education landscape.
Q15: What are the Polytechnic’s strategic goals for the next five years, particularly in the areas of research and development?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: Our strategic goals include enhancing research capacity, increasing external funding, and expanding our academic programs. We aim to establish more research centers and foster greater collaboration with industry to ensure our research has real-world applications and impact.
Q16: Can you highlight some of the Polytechnic’s recent successes in terms of academic programs, student achievements, or institutional development?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our institutional development. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has recently established an affiliation with the University of Ilorin. This partnership allows our graduates to receive degree certificates from the University of Ilorin, significantly enhancing the value of their qualifications and opening up greater opportunities for further education and career advancement. This achievement underscores our commitment to providing top-quality education and expanding the prospects for our students.
Q17: How does the Polytechnic plan to leverage the outcomes of this conference to further its mission and objectives?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: The outcomes of this conference will inform our research agenda and policy-making. The insights gained and the collaborations formed will help us address pressing challenges and contribute to national development, aligning with our mission to foster academic excellence and societal progress.
Q18: What message do you have for prospective students and faculty considering joining Osun State Polytechnic, Iree?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: Osun State Polytechnic offers a conducive environment for learning and research. We are committed to academic excellence, innovation, and producing graduates who are ready to make meaningful contributions to society. We invite prospective students and faculty to join us in this exciting journey.
Q19: Is there anything else you would like to add about the conference or the work being done at Osun State Polytechnic that you think is important for our readers to know?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: I would like to emphasize the importance of this conference as a platform for addressing critical issues and fostering collaboration. The work being done at Osun State Polytechnic is geared towards making significant contributions to both local and global challenges, and we welcome support and participation from all stakeholders.
On the Collaboration with Academic World
Q20: Can you tell us more about the collaboration between Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, and Academic World? How did this partnership come about?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: The collaboration with Academic World is a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the quality and impact of our academic and research endeavors. This partnership was initiated to leverage Academic World's expertise in research support, publication, and technological innovation. By working together, we aim to foster a dynamic academic environment that promotes interdisciplinary research and global knowledge exchange.
Q21: What specific contributions is Academic World making to the OSPOLY Maiden Multi-Disciplinary Conference 2024?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: Academic World is playing a crucial role in the organization and execution of the conference. They are providing support in areas such as the peer-review process for paper submissions, publication of conference proceedings, and facilitating workshops and sessions on cutting-edge research methodologies. Their involvement ensures the conference maintains high academic standards and offers valuable learning opportunities for all participants.
Q22: How does the collaboration with Academic World enhance the research capabilities of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: The collaboration enhances our research capabilities by providing access to a broader network of academic and industry experts, advanced research tools, and resources. Academic World’s support in publishing and disseminating our research helps increase the visibility and impact of our work. Additionally, their expertise in technological innovation and interdisciplinary research fosters an environment of creativity and progress within our institution.
Q23: What long-term benefits do you foresee from this partnership with Academic World for the Polytechnic and its stakeholders?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: In the long term, we anticipate significant benefits including enhanced research output, improved academic standards, and greater global recognition for our institution. This partnership will help us attract more research funding, foster international collaborations, and provide our students and faculty with opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research. Ultimately, it will contribute to the overall development of our Polytechnic and its role in addressing societal challenges through innovation and knowledge.
Q24: How does this partnership align with the Polytechnic's strategic goals and vision for the future?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: The partnership aligns perfectly with our strategic goals of advancing academic excellence, fostering innovation, and making meaningful contributions to national and global development. It supports our vision of becoming a leading institution in research and education, known for its commitment to addressing real-world problems through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative solutions.
Q25: What message do you have for other academic institutions considering partnerships with organizations like Academic World?
Dr. Odebunmi A.T.: I would
encourage other academic institutions to explore partnerships with
organizations like Academic World. Such collaborations can significantly
enhance their research capabilities, provide access to a wealth of knowledge
and resources, and foster an environment of innovation and excellence. It’s an
opportunity to expand horizons, engage with global academic communities, and
make a lasting impact through collaborative efforts.
