Cybersecurity in research, devt important in education —FUTA VC

The vice-chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Joseph Fuwape, has stressed the importance of cybersecurity in research and educational development of the country.

Speaking during the inauguration of a cybersecurity laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art technologies in the university, Professor Fuwape said the laboratory would provide a platform for cutting-edge research in cybersecurity.

The cybersecurity laboratory, launched by Esentry Systems Limited, a leading cybersecurity firm in the country, in partnership with the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), was a response to threat against information security and training homegrown talents to fight the challenge.

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Professor Fuwape added that the laboratory would also provide an opportunity for FUTA’s students to observe their industrial work experience and the platform to be able to relate and do exploits in cyber security.

On her part, head, Department of Cyber Security Sciences, FUTA, Dr Aderonke Thompson, stated that the laboratory would provide a lot of hands on experiences to the students, making it possible for experts from the industry to relate with researchers in cyber security science in the city.

Dr Aderonke maintained that the initiative would encourage the usage of the state-of-the art techniques in conducting research that could meet up with the demands of the nation at large.

Speaking on the significance of the laboratory, Funmipe Olofinade,  head, Security Operations and Intelligence, Esentry Systems Limited and Researcher at FUTA pointed out that its establishment would provide a platform for researchers to conduct research on inherent cyber security problems and proffer innovative solutions as well.

The initiative of the laboratory is in line with Esentry’s effort to bridge the gap between the industry and academia in developing solutions for the information security industry, hoping also to extend this initiative to other institutions from the private and public sectors.

Among other eminent personalities who graced the event was Professor B.K. Alese, a professor of Information Security, Department of Cyber Security Sciences, FUTA who said the laboratory would allow academics to know the demands of the industry and be able to direct their researches towards industrial and societal needs.