OAU VC urges investment in infrastructure, innovation
By Jessica Dogo
The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, has urged the Federal Government, investors, and educators to work together to strengthen infrastructure in Nigerian universities.
He said this was key to fostering innovation, research, and technological advancement.
Bamire made the call in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the launch of Link Unavailable, an AI-powered line of smartphones and smartwatches, in Ife, Osun State, on Wednesday.
The launch coincided with a one-day symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Clinical Practice, themed “Transforming Healthcare: AI-Driven Solutions for Nigeria’s Medical Future”.
NAN reports that the new devices, including the X55 Smartphone and FitBand X1 Smartwatch, are preloaded with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools designed for healthcare diagnostics, crop monitoring, and education.
According to Bamire, the devices, which will hit the market by early 2026, signal a major step forward in Africa’s journey toward technological advancement.
The VC said the launch and symposium reflected Africa’s ability to move beyond dependence on natural resources towards transformation driven by innovation and knowledge.
“Africa’s challenge is not a lack of resources but the need to think, build, and act.
“Real transformation requires investment in education, STEM skills, vocational training, strong institutions, reliable infrastructure, and a culture that values productivity and innovation,” Bamire said.
He explained that universities, if properly equipped with infrastructure and policy support, could serve as catalysts for research, development, and industrial application.
He added that creating innovation ecosystems and strengthening policy frameworks would help accelerate the continent’s technological growth.
“The symposium itself, combining global expertise with local initiative showed how African universities can drive this transformation,” he said.
The symposium brought together academics, healthcare professionals, technology experts, students, and industry leaders to explore the potential of artificial intelligence and robotics in revolutionising healthcare across Africa.
Discussions centred on how AI can improve diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings.
Bamire noted that the devices would also support smarter farming systems, provide wider access to digital learning, and improve remote monitoring capacities, linking innovation with education and sustainable development.
He emphasised that building infrastructure in universities was crucial to ensuring that students and researchers were able to apply such technologies effectively and to position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s knowledge economy. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
Published By
- Agriculture and Environment Desk Controller/Website Content Manager.
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