In an ever-evolving academic landscape, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree (OSPOLY) continues to make significant strides in promoting research and academic excellence.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Odebunmi A.T., the Director of Research and Publications, provides insights into the upcoming OSPOLY Maiden Multi-Disciplinary Conference 2024. This landmark event is set to address critical issues such as economic resilience and security. The interview sheds light on the Polytechnic’s innovative initiatives, collaborations, and future aspirations, highlighting its commitment to fostering a robust academic environment and contributing to national development.
Can you provide an overview of the upcoming OSPOLY Maiden Multi-Disciplinary Conference 2024 and its main objectives?
Dr. Odebunmi.: 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.
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 : 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.
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 : 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.
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 : 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, a Professor of Real Estate Valuation, Federal University of Technology, Akure; Dr. 'Dele Ashiru, Associate Professor of Political Thoughts, Department of political science,
University of Lagos; Dr. M. A. Tijani,
Department of Civil Engineering, Osun State University, Osogbo and Dr. Oluyemi Omotoso, Federal Polytechnic, Ede.
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 : 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 harmonised to achieve long-term growth and stability.
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 : 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.
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 : 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.
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 : 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.
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 : The Directorate of Research and Publications has made significant strides in advancing research and academic excellence at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. We have successfully secured numerous grants that have fueled groundbreaking research across various disciplines. Our impactful research publications have gained national recognition, enhancing the academic reputation of our institution.
One of our key funders has been the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). Through its interventions, we have been able to carry out institution-based research, engage in equipment fabrication, and benefit from various essential supports that have been instrumental in our growth. TETFUND's assistance has empowered us to acquire state-of-the-art research equipment, which has significantly enhanced our research capabilities and outputs.
We are also anticipating increased collaborations with both local and international universities and research institutions. These partnerships will facilitate joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and collaborative publications, further enriching our academic environment and extending our research impact.
Our commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the numerous academic events we organize, such as the upcoming OSPOLY Maiden Multi-Disciplinary Conference 2024. These events provide platforms for researchers, professionals, and students to share their findings, network, and collaborate on innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.
At the forefront of these efforts is Mr. Kehinde Adeyemi Alabi, the Rector of the institution. Under his visionary leadership, OSPOLY has seen numerous advancements in academic programs and infrastructure. He has been instrumental in enhancing the institution's reputation, promoting staff and student welfare, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. His dedication is steering the Polytechnic towards its mission of producing employable graduates and contributing to national development.
The support from Hon. Diran Ayanbeku, Chairman of the Governing Council, and members has been unquantifiable. His commitment to the institution's goals ensures robust governance and strategic direction, which are critical for sustained growth and development.
Additionally, the good governance of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, exemplifies strong leadership that prioritizes educational excellence. His support for OSPOLY reveals the government's dedication to fostering higher education and its pivotal role in national development.
How does the Directorate ensure the research conducted aligns with national development goals and addresses pressing societal issues?
Dr. Odebunmi : 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.
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 : 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.
What are the Polytechnic’s strategic goals for the next five years, particularly in the areas of research and development?
Dr. Odebunmi : Our strategic goals include enhancing research capacity, increasing external funding, and expanding our academic programs. We aim to foster greater collaboration with industry to ensure our research has real-world applications and impact.
Can you highlight some of the Polytechnic’s recent successes in terms of academic programs, student achievements, or institutional development?
Dr. Odebunmi : We are excited 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. This will significantly enhance the value of their qualifications and opening up greater opportunities for further education and career advancement. This achievement shows our commitment to providing top-quality education and expanding the prospects for our students.
How does the Polytechnic plan to use the outcomes of this conference to further its mission and objectives?
Dr. Odebunmi : 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.
What message do you have for prospective students and faculty considering joining Osun State Polytechnic, Iree?
Dr. Odebunmi : 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.
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 : 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.
Can you tell us more about the collaboration between Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, and Academic World? How did this partnership come about?
Dr. Odebunmi : The collaboration with Academic World is a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the quality and impact of our academic and research endeavours. 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.
What specific contributions is Academic World making to the OSPOLY Maiden Multi-Disciplinary Conference 2024?
Dr. Odebunmi : 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.
How does the collaboration with Academic World enhance the research capabilities of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree?
Dr. Odebunmi : 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.
What long-term benefits do you foresee from this partnership with Academic World for the Polytechnic and its stakeholders?
Dr. Odebunmi : 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.
How does this partnership align with the Polytechnic's strategic goals and vision for the future?
Dr. Odebunmi : 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.
What message do you have for other academic institutions considering partnerships with organizations like Academic World?
Dr. Odebunmi : 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.
