From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
The Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU) Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, has stated that the present world demands leaders who are flexible, forward-thinking and perpetually learning.
Olatunji-Bello made the disclosure at the Faculty of Management Sciences 2024 Annual Conference which was held at the Aderemi Makajuola Hall of the institution on Tuesday, 26th November, 2024.
The theme of the event which attracted the crème de la crème in the academic world including all the Professors in the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) of the institution has the theme “Global Innovation and Sustainability: Nurturing Next Generation Managers.”
She said, “In an era characterized by unprecedented change and rapid technological advancements, the role of management and innovation has never been more crucial. As we assemble experts, scholars, practitioners, and future leaders under one roof, we have the unique opportunity to address challenges that transcend borders and to embrace innovations that define the future of global business landscapes.
“The world today demands leaders who are flexible, forward-thinking, and perpetually learning. It is imperative that the next generation is equipped with the tools to not only navigate the complex dynamics of international markets but to also leverage the potential of technological innovations. We must cultivate managers who are not simply reactive but are proactive visionaries who guide their organizations towards sustainable success,” Prof. Olatunji-Bello said.
On the aim of the conference, Olatunji-Bello disclosed that the conference was to foster a robust dialogue that bridges industry practices with academic insights, to create a shared wealth of knowledge that inspires action and fuels progress. “We gather to challenge conventional wisdom, to question established norms, and to network with thought leaders who share our commitment to excellence in management.
“Throughout the sessions planned over the course of this conference, we will delve into topics ranging from the integration of AI in management practices to the cultivation of ethical leadership amidst globalization. We will hear from seasoned experts and innovators who are at the forefront of this dynamic field, whose experiences and insights will illuminate the path forward.
“I urge each participant to engage wholeheartedly in these discussions, to share your thoughts, pose challenging questions, and seek collaborations that will bridge gaps across industries and cultures. Let us harness this opportunity to learn, to inspire, and to innovate together,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
Prof Adetiloye Kehinde who represented Prof Deji Olarenwaju, President/Chairman in Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria) to deliver the Lead Paper said that the youth of today are better positioned with the technological opportunities that is cheaply available to them. “I would say that the youth of today are better positioned than us during our own time. They have so many opportunities which they are not utilizing. If we had such opportunities that the youth of today have, we would definitely make a better environment than we have. Why do I say so? Technology is freely and cheaply available and they are rather using it for negative purposes, 80% of the youths today are using technology for negative things, not helping the future, the future is about how to sustain the system, we also want to make sure that they also have children and their own children also have grandchildren. Until there is a reset and the reset can be not from them but there has to leadership. The key question is leadership, if there is good leadership, if the leadership is focused and everybody can see that this is where we are all going, those who are not going to where the leaders are going, they would be deviants, and they have to be corrected by the society. So the key question here is things have to change, if things don’t change the way they are going only God will help us.”
Speaking on the theme ‘Global Innovation and Sustainability: Nurturing Next Generation Managers’ he said “The key question here is to allow the students to whom the paper was addressed to really know what they want for the future. It is about realizing why you are here. Are you here to make money and get out, are we here to let our family to just be fine and every other person can go to hell? No. I must be there for you, you must be there for me, everybody must be there for one another and when we do that we assure that the future is certain. The key point all of us has to address is, are we sure we are going to deliver a good world to the people that are coming behind us, it is about the environment, it is about a lot of other things that sustain the world.”
Earlier, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) Prof. Akanji Rafiu Bankole, in his Welcome Address said Innovation means introducing new ideas, products or services that create value and drive goals, it could be social goal, economic goal, political goal, adding that the essence is to tie ideas to tangible solution that can meet not just the need of the individual but that of an organization and even the society at large. On the other hand, he said that sustainability is the ability to maintain a process or a system or way of life over a long period without depleting national resources. He welcomed the guests and wished them a fruitful outing.
Keynote Speaker was Prof Raheem ‘Supo Akewushola, Provost, Lagos State College of Health Technology.
