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  • Babcock hosts Okegbenle for landmark keynote on future of AI

    Babcock hosts Okegbenle for landmark keynote on future of AI

    Babcock University yesterday hosted PressOne Africa Chief Executive Officer, Mayowa Okegbenle, to a landmark keynote on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the institution’s School of Computing marked its 25th anniversary in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

    Delivering the keynote titled “The Past, The Present, and The Future of Artificial Intelligence” at the BUTH 600-Seater Auditorium, Okegbenle examined the evolution of AI and its increasing influence on business, work and society. 

    Faculty members, students and industry stakeholders attended the event, described by the Department of Computer Science as a highlight of its Silver Jubilee celebration.

    Okegbenle, invited for his industry-grounded perspective, shared lessons from PressOne Africa’s transition from labour-intensive customer operations to AI-driven processes. 

    He recalled that the company initially depended on a large team of human customer service agents before discovering the limits of that model.

    “We realised only long-serving staff, those with over 12 months’ experience, could consistently deliver the results we wanted,” he said. “But we had already committed to annual targets. We couldn’t pause to train 100 new hires. We had to ask ourselves: Can AI do this work? Can AI talk to customers, onboard them, and deliver value at scale?”

    This question led to the creation of Juliet, PressOne Africa’s intelligent virtual employee, which now manages thousands of customer conversations across messaging platforms. 

    According to him, human intervention in conversations has dropped from about 50 per cent in the first week to less than five per cent today.

    “Customers engaged without realising they were speaking to AI. Juliet now outperforms any human team we could have hired,” he said, stressing that AI is not merely a trend but “business.”

    Addressing concerns about AI replacing software engineering roles, Okegbenle urged students to see the technology as a catalyst for new forms of work.

    He reminded the audience that the term computer originally referred to a human job title before machines took over due to their superior speed.

    The anniversary event also saw him launch two major departmental projects: the Babcock Compendium and a new Artificial Intelligence Laboratory designed to support research in machine learning, robotics and intelligent systems.

    Babcock University said the engagements reflect its commitment to preparing students for an increasingly digital future.

  • Babcock medical graduates urged to make impact

    Babcock medical graduates urged to make impact

    • By Kehinde Jimoh

    Medical graduates of the Benjamin Carson College of Health and Medical Sciences, Babcock University, Remo, Ogun State, have been charged to be impactful and make a difference as the institution celebrated its 10th induction of medical student graduates into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

    The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the graduates’ journey, as they transitioned from students to professional healthcare providers.

    President/Vice Chancellor Prof. Ademola Tayo emphasised the importance of upholding ethical principles and confidentiality in the medical profession. He reminded the inductees that their MBBS degree is not an endpoint but a licence to begin learning and making a meaningful impact.

    “Pursue purpose over popularity. Seek service, not status,” he said.

    Tayo, who was represented by the Senior Vice President Academics  Prof. Philemon Amanze further outlined five guiding pillars as secrets of success in their career. He described as essential, competence, compassion, integrity, collaboration, and faith.

    Read Also: Babcock produces 241 First Class graduates

    Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, Dr Ada Eze Oreh,  urged the graduates to remain focused despite the challenges they would face. She reminded them that the world awaits their contribution and that they have the power to impact lives positively.

    “The path you have chosen is not an easy one. To achieve greatness, you must diligently utilise every opportunity and commit to making a lifelong impact on the Nigerian healthcare system and the lives of each person you come across,” she said.

    Provost of the College, Prof. John Sotunsa, emphasised the graduates’ role as caregivers, system reformers, policy influencers, and technology adopters.

    He encouraged them to use their skills to make a difference and contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

    The event also provided a platform for special recognition to Chisom Okafor, the overall best medical graduate, who achieved 10 distinctions in her final MBBS exams.

    Her outstanding performance earned her cash prizes of N200,000 from the Nigeria Medical Association Ogun State presented by the representative, Dr Luqman Ogunjimi and an additional N100,000 each from him and another.

    Anonymous donors also showered her with cash gifts, celebrating her remarkable achievement.

    As the inductees embark on their medical journey, the MDCN Registar, Dr Fatima Kyari, represented by Dr Tijjani Ali Mandaka, Head Registration Department MDCN reminded them to apply the wisdom and guidance of seasoned professionals.

    “ Remember to acknowledge your limitations and collaborate where necessary. With determination, compassion, and integrity, you can make a positive impact in our healthcare sector and beyond,” he said.

  • Bradford varsity don, others introduce new curricula for Ekiti, Babcock varsities

    Bradford varsity don, others introduce new curricula for Ekiti, Babcock varsities

    An educational initiative, led by Dr. Olushola Adeborode Kolawole (OAK), a lecturer in Business Data Analytics, Circular Economy, and Entrepreneurship at the University of Bradford, has been unveiled in two Nigerian universities.

    The initiative is aimed at creating a robust academic framework that integrates contemporary global concepts such as circular economy and peace-building into Nigerian university education.

    Funded by the British Council, the project, officially titled: “Curriculum Development on Entrepreneurship, Circular Economy and Peace-building in Nigeria,  aims to transform entrepreneurship, circular economy, and peace-building curricula in two Nigerian universities, Ekiti State University and Babcock University.

    Dr. Kolawole said the project reflects the British Council’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable development through academic collaboration.

    Read Also: Court restores EFCC’s interim forfeiture order on Yahaya Bello’s ‘properties’

    The university don, who serves as the project lead and an Academic Adviser to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, UK, is working alongside an expert team of academics, including Professor Kenneth Omeje of the International University, United Kingdom, the Project consultant; Dr. Joseph Danquah, also from the University of Bradford and the project’s Associate Lead; Professor Taiwo Owoeye, the institutional lead for Ekiti State University; and Professor Adesoga Adefulu, who leads the initiative at Babcock University.

    One of the major milestones of the project was a curriculum workshop held recently in Lagos. The workshop brought together scholars, curriculum experts, and educational stakeholders to co-create a robust academic framework that integrates contemporary global concepts such as circular economy and peace-building into Nigerian university education.

    Speaking at the event, Dr. Kolawole emphasised the importance of reimagining education in Africa.

    “We must equip the next generation with the knowledge and tools to build resilient economies, promote peace, and champion sustainable development. This project is a significant step toward that future,” he said.

    In addition to curriculum development, the project will furnish both Ekiti State University and Babcock University with relevant textbooks and academic resources to support teaching and research in the newly developed fields.

    A major textbook project is also underway, scheduled for publication by the end of 2026. The textbook, to be co-edited by Dr. Kolawole and Prof. Omeje, will feature contributions from academics across the African continent, highlighting local case studies and context-specific applications of global theories.

    The initiative is expected to have long-term impact by promoting interdisciplinary learning, encouraging sustainable business practices, and nurturing a culture of peace among young Nigerians.

     It also aligns with broader efforts to internationalise Nigeria’s higher education system through collaborative knowledge exchange.

  • Babcock produces 217 doctoral students

    Babcock produces 217 doctoral students

    By Joy Aikorogie, Babcock

    No fewer than 217 doctoral students has been produced by Babcock University in the 2024/25 academic session. Among them are candidates from across Nigeria and Africa spanning different socio-political sectors, two international students from Liberia and Rwanda, current vice president of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a 71- year-old man,  Dr Bolaji Federick Olusegun.

    President/Vice Chancellor, Prof.  Ademola  Tayo noted that that the hooding ceremony represented the culmination of a “long, arduous quest that demonstrated resilience and hope”.

    He urged the doctoral graduates  to use their intellectual capital to create systems that works.

    “You who are here are the forerunners of a future not only for you alone but for your children, for your nieces and nephews, for your friend’s children and the next generation that deserves our respect and attention”, he stated.

    Professor Tayo also added that “as holders of PhD, you have tools to contribute to global peace, security and prosperity,, and through research , innovation and collaboration you can help forge solutions that reach far beyond our shores.

    According to him, being part of the Babcock academic community was an acceptance to be part of a network of scholars aspirated to transform lives through quality education of the minds and hearts.

    While congratulating them, Professor Tayo urged them to be part of the catalyst for positive change.

    You have the capacity for immense achievement not the least of which is to support positive change in society.

    “No doubt,   you will face certain challenges but no matter the disappointment you may encounter, true success and happiness will come if you have only one goal to fulfill the highest truthful expression of yourself as human being in your chosen path.

    An elated   Olusegun said:  “I just want to prove that there is no time you can’t purpose to run after excellence. You don’t have to rot away, I just want to serve as a source of encouragement to the younger generation, that you can challenge yourself, you can challenge the status quo to get better and there is no limit to learning as well”.

    Read Also: Babcock produces 241 First Class graduates

    He said that he started pursuing law at a relatively old age when he was about retiring from the banking sector.

    Olusegun said though he had his first degree in law from the Lagos State University in 2004 at 50 and his Master’s Degree as well from the same university in 2014, when he was 60 years old  he still enrolled for his doctorate degree at Babcock University about four years ago.

    The lawyer however called for a change of orientation among the workers of the government-owned universities as they tend to treat their students in a way not too deserving and friendly.

    Olusegun  said:  “I attended public universities; the University of Ibadan where I studied Economics and Lagos State University for my first and second degree in Law and I have also attended a private institution.

    “I can say that the ball games are different. Private institutions are more friendly but for the public universities may be it is because the people there are government workers they feel that they can treat you as they want but that should not be and I think there should be reorientation so that people could be encouraged to want to study.”

  • Mother in distress over missing Babcock student, demands answers

    Mother in distress over missing Babcock student, demands answers

    A distraught mother, Fijabi Oyindamola Omotayo, has taken to Facebook in tears, pleading with the public and security agencies to help find her missing son, Oladipupo Siwajuola, a student of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

    In a live video shared on the platform, Omotayo recounted the last time she saw her son. “Members of the public should please help tell Babcock University to produce my son. I dropped him off at the school myself on Sunday evening, but for the past three days, I have not been able to sleep as I cannot find my son,” she said.

    Omotayo added that her visit to the university yielded no concrete answers. “I was even at the school yesterday and they said that’s how students behave sometimes, that they might be within the school premises but hiding themselves… Babcock University should please help find my son.”

    In an earlier written post, she further expressed frustration over the university’s alleged lack of transparency: “Babcock University, Ilishan, could you please inform me about the whereabouts of my son, Oladipupo Siwajuola? Can you explain why Lampard and Tobi, who were the last to see him, are being shielded? It has been over 72 hours since I last spoke to my son.

    “I personally dropped him off at school on Monday, April 27, as I always do, and I have been unable to locate him since then. Please provide information about my son’s whereabouts. My family and I should not suffer due to your lack of accountability. My son is not a piece of furniture.”

    Responding to the growing concern, Emmanuel Ojo, Special Assistant on New Media to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, said in a Facebook post that the matter had been brought to the attention of state authorities.

    “Madam Fijabi Oyindamola Omotayo, I just got off the phone with the State Commissioner for Education, who had earlier spoken with the Vice-Chancellor of the university to find out what is going on and what has been done so far.

    Read Also: Rwandan envoy, Babcock VC seek end to racial division, others

    “According to the VC, this is the first time he’s heard about the issue. He now has your son’s name, picture, the videos you’ve shared, and some other relevant updates. He has assured us that he will look into the matter immediately.

    “Security agencies are also involved, and by God’s grace, this will be resolved positively and soon,” Ojo wrote.

    Confirming the development, Dr Joshua Suleiman, Babcock University’s Director of Marketing and Communications, said the institution was aware of the situation. “The school is aware of the case. It is being handled by our security department and is under investigation,” he told our correspondent on Saturday.

  • Rwandan envoy, Babcock VC seek end to racial division, others

    Rwandan envoy, Babcock VC seek end to racial division, others

    The High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria, Amb. Christophe Bazivamo has called on the international community to forestall a recurrence of the 1994 genocide. This was just as the Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo sought a world where everyone lives in peace, unity and harmony.

    They spoke at the 31st commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi at a programme in Babcock University Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. It was tagged: “Kwibuka 31”, meaning to remember.

    The Rwandan envoy expressed fears that genocidal forces who fled Rwanda after 1994 have reconstituted themselves under new names as the Armée de Libération du Rwanda (ALIR) and subsequently as the Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération du Rwanda (FDLR)—continuing to spread hate and violence, particularly against Congolese Tutsi communities.

    According to him, Rwanda continues to face serious regional security challenges, particularly in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where genocidal forces who fled Rwanda remain active.

    He said the are  alarming hate speeches, dehumanizing propaganda, and calls for extermination, similar to the language used before 1994 in Rwanda, adding that thousands have been displaced.

    Read Also: Wike hails Okowa, Delta Governor over defection to APC

    Bazivamo, however stressed the need for the international community to step in, adding that it is not just Rwanda’s fight.

    “We must not forget that Rwanda warned the world once before. The cost of ignoring hate is too great to bear again. This is not just Rwanda’s fight; it demands the urgent and concerted attention of the entire international community,” he said.

    The envoy admonished youths across the continent to speak out against hate speech and be  ambassadors of peace, tolerance, and truth.

    Tayo, sought a  rejection of the forces of division based on racial, ethnic, gender, or other differences.

    “We must strive for a world where such atrocities never happen again: a world where humanity is valued above all else; a world where we can live in peace, harmony, and mutual respect.

    By working together, we can help support the survivors, and the international community to promote peace, justice, and human rights worldwide,” he said.

  • Babcock: cybersecurity experts seek collaboration to tackle growing threats

    Babcock: cybersecurity experts seek collaboration to tackle growing threats

    • By Tunde Adeniyi

    Stakeholders in the academia, private sector, and governmental agencies have stressed the need for a collective effort to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem in the face of growing global threat expected to cost $10.5 trillion this year.

    They made the call to action at a two-day cybersecurity workshop hosted by the Babcock University Information Technology department in collaboration with GXT International.

    The workshop, with the theme:  “Building a Resilient Cybersecurity Ecosystem: Bridging Academia, Industry, and Organizational Practices,” brought together experts to share knowledge and propose solutions to address critical security challenges.

    In his presentation, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Hon. Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, highlighted the significance of cybersecurity in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

    “Nigeria may have missed out on the first and second industrial revolutions, but we have an opportunity to make a significant impact in the digital age,” he said.

    Salisu emphasised the need for a tripartite collaboration involving the academia, industry, and government agencies to develop a robust cybersecurity ecosystem.

    He proposed that professors acquire industrial experience during their sabbatical, while students focus on solving real-life problems using Fin-Tech in their final research work.

    CEO of Sycom, Abdulraman Akanbi noted  that employers value hands-on experience over theoretical knowledge. “Cybersecurity is not just a profession; it’s a mission to save the digital world,” he said.

    Executive Director Momo PSB,Oluwafemi Aminu  emphasised that cyber resilience is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated action from all stakeholders. “We cannot afford to operate in silos; a unified, ecosystem-driven approach is the only way forward in today’s threat landscape,” he said.

    Cyber resilience goes beyond traditional cybersecurity. While cybersecurity focuses on protecting systems, networks, and data from attacks, cyber resilience ensures an organization can continue operations during and after an attack.” he added.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology,  Tunbosun Alake said the state is doing all to ensure Nigeria takes its place in the committee of nations in terms of technology.

    Read Also: Babcock Pharmacy School to solve health problems

    “Your focus becomes your reality. If you see Nigeria as a jungle, you only see a jungle, but if you see it with its various potentials, so it becomes. We need to work together to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.

    Babcock University’s President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, hailed the timeliness and relevance of the programme.

     “I commend you for coming up with this program at a time like this. With the risks posed by cybercrime, this program could not have come at a better time to address this very germane issue to our national growth and development.”

    Beyond recommendations, the workshop provided platform for presentation of the Excellence Cybersecurity Leadership Award to the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Alake and others in recognition of their contribution to building the digital infrastructure in Nigeria.

  • Babcock honours don with book, award

    Babcock honours don with book, award

    By Tunde Adeniyi

    Authorities at  Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo,Ogun State, has celebrated the  legacy of the late Prof. Yinka Olomojobi, an esteemed academic who died  April last year.

    The event, held at the Zach Olomojobi Auditorium, featured a book presentation and a posthumous award ceremony, showcasing Olomojobi’s commitment to human rights and social justice.

    The University Bursar, Dr Folorunsho Akande, chaired the ceremony which served as a tribute to the deceased’s immense contributions to academia and society.

    A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a 17-chapter book titled: “Human Rights, Intellectual Property, the Environment, and Arbitration: From Nigeria to Global.”

    The book, a compilation of his unpublished inaugural lecture notes and scholarly contributions of  colleagues, was reviewed by Dr Christopher Onu, Dean of the School of Law at Adeleke University.

    Read Also: The high-stakes interplay between global business and geopolitics in Nigeria, by Ademola Oshodi

    The publication  examines  critical human rights issues, including racial discrimination in Africa with Tunisia as a case study, domestic violence in Nigeria, labour stigmatisation in Eastern Nigeria, and the rights of the elderly and disabled.

    It also explores intellectual property rights concerning traditional medicine, AI arbitration in China, and municipal waste management in Nigeria, reflecting Prof. Olomojobi’s multidisciplinary approach to addressing global challenges.

    Colleagues, friends, and family members  reflected on the values and principles that defined Olomojobi’s life and time.

    Olomojobi was  killed on April 19, 2024, by unknown gunmen, reportedly after resisting abduction.

    He was awarded the Faculty of the Year Award posthumously.

    The President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, praised him as a champion of human rights.

    “We celebrate the life and legacy of Prof. Yinka Olomojobi and honour his commitment to promoting human rights and social justice,” he said.

  • 148 emerge first class at Babcock’s graduation

    148 emerge first class at Babcock’s graduation

    One hundred and forty-eight students recently graduated with first-class honours as Babcock marked its 22nd undergraduate and 13th postgraduate convocation.

    At the event, Elomezino Ifoghale and Glory Michael emerged as the best overall graduates for the full and part-time programmes respectively.

    In his address, President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, called on the Coral Grad Class to embrace life challenges with courage to create a better world.

    He urged the 2,442 undergraduates and 405 postgraduates to celebrate the day, not just as an end, “but a glorious beginning.”

    “As torchbearers of the university’s legacy, we encourage you to carry the values and lessons  learned with you. Be bold, be curious and never stop striving for excellence.”

    “Today is a testament to your resilience, creativity, and passion. As you stand on the threshold of this new chapter, remember that the knowledge, skills and values you have acquired here will serve as a foundation for your future success.

    Similarly, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and his Ekiti state counterpart, Biodun Oyebanji, urged the class to see education as a call to higher responsibilities of adult life and national service.

    Abiodun said he was deeply proud of the university’s role in nurturing great leaders for the country and appealed for dialogue instead of protests in addressing current situation to make Nigeria great.

    Commencement Speaker and Honoris Causa awardee, Dr. Wole Olanipekun, called for caution in picking role models as this would ultimately shape their world view and developmental trajectory.

    “Rejoice at the success of others but never be envious of their better achievements,” counseled Dr. Olanikpekun who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

    Read Also: ASR Africa flags off building of press at Babcock

    The ceremony also witnessed the  celebration of another Honoris Causa awardee, Mrs. Bukola Smith, Managing Director of FSDH Merchant Bank, for her contribution to the banking sector and development of women in Nigeria.

    Mrs. Smith, an accomplished banker with a career spanning over three decades and an honorary fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria was honoured in the presence of her spouse, Mr. Smith.

    The ceremony also honoured Mrs. Bukola Smith, Managing Director of FSDH Merchant Bank, with a Honoris Causa award for her contribution to the banking sector and development of women in Nigeria. She urged the graduates to “make accountability and integrity count” and to “keep at it” despite challenges.

    Postgraduate class president, Dr. Ajala, emphasised the importance of being “our brothers’ keeper” and “touching lives” to make a positive impact.

  • ASR Africa flags off construction of publishing at Babcock

    ASR Africa flags off construction of publishing at Babcock

    By Tunde Adeniyi, BU

    The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), the philanthropic initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu (CFR, CON), has flagged off the construction of a N280 million Abdul Samad Rabiu Integrated Publishing House for Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

    This project will enhance the capacity of the University from basic press status to a modern, integrated publishing house to encompass publishing, print production, and other related diversified services. The one-storey building facility will serve as a laboratory and studio for training students of communications, media studies, and allied disciplines as well as other disciplines. 

    At the groundbreaking event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola S. Tayo, expressed satisfaction at the nomination by ASR Africa, under its Tertiary Education Grant Scheme.

    Read Also: Babcock VC to students: be change agents

    He added that the choice of the project was a response to the vision to take the Mass Communications Department of the University to a whole new level. According to him, the university’s vision is to produce young men and women capable of critical thinking, and problem-solvers capable of proffering innovative solutions to problems of everyday life, be it social, political, and cultural.

    In his response, Dr. Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director of ASR Africa, expressed his delight at the University’s choice of establishing an Integrated Publishing House. He added that when information is appropriately applied, human society is empowered to liberate itself from limitations and attain its full potential. Dr Udoh reiterated the commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu to supporting quality education within the tertiary education system in Nigeria and urged the institution to focus on the sustainability of this noble project. He also reiterated the importance of cooperation and collaboration between the university and the contractor for the timely delivery of the publishing house. 

    ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist, and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu. It was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.