The 3rd KU8+ Consortium International Conference Opens with Focus on Innovation and Sustainability

The 3rd KU8+ International Conference commenced on a high note with a pre-conference workshop held at the Kwara State University (KWASU) International Conference Centre, Ilorin, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

The event brought together Vice-Chancellors of member universities, researchers, professors, and scholars from various institutions and organisations.

The Chairman of the KU8+ Consortium and Chief Host of the Conference, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), in his opening remarks, reiterated the critical role of tertiary institutions in addressing national and global challenges. He emphasized that in a world marked by rapid technological transformation, “research is an important vehicle that can enhance sustainable development.”

In his welcome address, the Host and Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, said the conference theme, “Innovation and Sustainability of Higher Education in a Changing World,” underscores the realities of global interconnectedness.

He further noted that constant shifts in technology, values, funding models, and educational paradigms necessitate regular re-evaluation of curricula and research ethics across institutions of higher learning in the country. Professor Jimoh added that the KU8+ Consortium serves as a vital platform for sustaining conversations around innovative collaboration and research, which will positively impact the future of higher education in Nigeria.

Lead paper presenters at the pre-conference workshop, Professor Olumide Babatope Longe and Professor Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji, presented papers titled “Ethics in a Digital World” and “Innovative Approaches to Grantsmanship,” respectively. Both scholars advocated for community-driven, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research as a solution to Nigeria’s quest for sustainability.

In attendance were the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Lateef Oladimeji; Vice-Chancellor of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Professor Kolawole Ajanaku Thomas; Vice-Chancellor of Ojaja University, Eiyenkorin, Professor Jeleel Ojuade; and Vice-Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu.

Also present were the Vice-Chancellor of Ahman Patigi University, Patigi, Professor Gbolagade Kazeem; Secretary-General of the KU8+ Consortium and Vice-Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Professor Francisca Oladipo; and the Vice-Chancellor of Muhammad Kamalud-deen University, Ilorin, Professor Rasheed Gbenga Jimoh.

The conference continues with plenary sessions and paper presentations aimed at strengthening innovation, ethics, and sustainability in higher education.