•International scholars gather to explore technological innovations for global progress
Caleb University in Imota, Lagos, hosted its 4th Annual Disruptive Innovation Conference, where 115 scholars, professionals, and thought leaders gathered for a transformative three-day event.
The conference, held in collaboration with Lancaster University (UK) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), attracted national and international researchers who presented papers and engaged in vibrant discussions aimed at charting new paths for global development.
Themed “Leveraging Technological Innovations to Create the New Normal World,” this year’s conference continued the tradition set by its previous editions in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie, highlighted the need for a solutions-based approach to addressing both national and global developmental crises. “The conference is poised to stimulate critical discussions within the framework of disruptive innovations,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of finding creative solutions for complex issues.
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The keynote presentation by Israel Neta Hanien, Director of Programmes and Partnerships at Inov8 International, focused on the importance of prioritizing users’ needs in disruptive innovation.
Hanien explained that disruptive innovation, as defined by the late Clayton Christensen, involves transforming costly and sophisticated products or services into more affordable and accessible solutions for a wider population.
“Disruptive innovation seeks to identify and solve real-world problems by using local content to address people’s needs,” she stated.
A highlight of the conference was the presentation by Professor Olalekan Asikhia, Caleb University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Strategy, and Administration.
His session on “Writing a Statement of Problem and Literature Review” provided valuable insights for researchers, emphasizing the importance of clarity and structure when crafting research problem statements.
The conference also saw contributions from several prominent figures in academia and industry, including Mr. Ayo Subair, Executive Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), represented by Yusuf Erinjogunola.
Subair commended the conference for addressing critical issues at a time when innovation is crucial for national development. “CUDIC 2024 is a significant platform for scholars and researchers to address the evolving challenges of our society,” Subair said.
Other notable speakers included Barr. Olusola Agbeniyi, President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), who was represented by the body’s first female Registrar, Mrs. Folake Osho. Agbeniyi praised Caleb University for its commitment to advancing education and research, particularly in the area of taxation.
Academics such as Professor Olateju Somorin, Dean of the College of Arts, Social and Management Sciences at Caleb University, Professor Ope Davies from the University of Lagos, and David Omole from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, also contributed significantly to the conference’s success.
The event was further enriched by the participation of professionals like Dr. Jane Ezirigwe from the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and Angela Chilotam Nnamani from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), among others.
The 2024 conference also followed Caleb University’s recent achievements, including its 9th Inaugural Lecture, the unveiling of seven Centres of Excellence, and a landmark Employability Fair that saw 33 CEOs and industry leaders mentoring and offering jobs to graduating students.
