By Olatunde Ajayi
Mechanical engineering stakeholders have raised concerns that university-based engineering and technology research is not being fully commercialised.
The concerns were expressed at the 5th Annual Prof. Olusoji Ofi Distinguished Academic Lecture on Saturday in Ibadan.
The lecture was organised by the Ibadan Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE).
The lecture, which also marked the 7th NIMechE Distinguished Academic Lecture, was titled “Sustainable Engineering and National Development: The Spirit of Olusoji Ofi.”
It aimed to promote stronger support for developmental research in Nigeria.
The guest lecturer, Prof. Adelere Adeniran, highlighted the enormous potential of research results across various fields, including food technology.
Adeniran, Dean of the School of Engineering at Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, said many research outputs end up on shelves, receiving little or no attention for commercialisation and industrialisation.
He emphasised that research must move beyond publication to production, with engineering innovations translating into industry, enterprise, and national progress.
Adeniran said sustainable engineering goes beyond designing machines or models; it ensures university knowledge is turned into technology that benefits society and drives national development.
He cited Ofi’s pioneering work on the mechanical production of pounded yam as a groundbreaking achievement demonstrating the power of sustainable engineering.
“His innovation was more than a technological breakthrough—it showcased engineering’s power to create economic value, ease human labor, support local industry, and improve daily life.
“Prof. Ofi’s work embodies the spirit of sustainable national development, where knowledge serves society, innovation supports enterprise, technology reflects culture, and professional integrity strengthens national institutions,” he said.
The state Chairman of NIMechE, Mr Kabir Aminu, said the lecture was named after Ofi in recognition of his passion and contributions to mechanical engineering.
Aminu noted that the lecture had fostered ongoing collaboration between Ofi’s family, his protégés, and the broader community of mechanical engineers and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
The national Chairman of NIMechE, Dr Babagana Tela, said the annual lecture had become a platform for discussing issues of national interest.
Tela was represented at the event by the former NIMechE National Vice-Chairman, Prof. Dare Ademola.
He noted that insights and recommendations from past lectures had contributed to the formulation of policies for national development.
In response, Ofi expressed gratitude to the association, the University of Ibadan community, well-wishers, and all who contributed to the success of the event.
He suggested that universities should establish incubation centres to stimulate economic growth by promoting innovation and technology adoption.
The event also featured the launch of the Ofi Endowment Fund, awards presentations, and goodwill messages. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Victor Adeoti
