Last Updated on May 3, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Raymond Osemene
The College of Engineering (COLENG), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, April 28, 2026, commenced its annual international conference with a compelling focus on “Sustainable Engineering in the Era of Digital and Green Transformation.”
The opening session, held at the Red Chamber, drew a diverse audience of Academic staff, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, all converging to explore innovative and forward-thinking approaches to engineering practice in a rapidly evolving global environment.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, described the conference as both timely and visionary. He noted that the theme aligns with the pressing global need for environmentally responsible and technology-driven engineering solutions. He expressed optimism that the conference would inspire robust intellectual discourse, deepen collaboration, and yield practical strategies for sustainable development. He further highlighted FUNAAB’s growing reputation in agricultural education and the critical role of engineering in advancing mechanisation, food security, and rural development.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended the outstanding achievements of students and the strong academic leadership within the College, reaffirming the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Dean of COLENG, Prof. Adedayo Badejo, revealed that the conference attracted 144 participants from 33 tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria. He stressed the importance of harmonising digital transformation with green engineering practices, with much emphasis on smart systems, data-driven innovation, renewable energy, and circular design principles. He also outlined key sub-themes, including digital and green transformative systems, resilient engineering, artificial intelligence and embedded systems, eco-friendly technologies, and renewable energy for food security.
Also speaking, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, represented by Dr. Akintoye Akindele, Chairman of Platform Capital, emphasised the need for engineering to transcend theoretical frameworks and embrace practical, market-driven solutions. He stressed that the true value of engineering lies in its capacity to generate economic impact, urging professionals to translate innovations into viable enterprises within the dynamic digital economy.
He further described today’s global landscape as one driven by digital innovation and sustainability, where green technologies are no longer optional but imperative. He cited advancements in renewable energy, smart grids, and solar-powered systems as clear indicators of engineering’s transformative potential.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Kwara State, Prof. Philip Oguntunde, described the conference theme as both relevant and urgent. He observed that conventional industrial models based on extraction and disposal are becoming obsolete, giving way to a “twin transformation” shaped by digital innovation and environmental sustainability.
He advocated a shift from linear production systems to circular models that prioritise reuse, recycling, and low-carbon materials. While acknowledging the enabling role of digital technologies in achieving sustainability goals, he also drew attention to their high energy demands, describing this as an “engineering paradox” that calls for balanced, innovative, and sustainable solutions.
The conference is expected to feature technical sessions, paper presentations, and collaborative engagements aimed at advancing sustainable engineering practices in line with global development goals. It ends on April 30, 2026.
