MTU College of Humanities holds second international conference

The College of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences (CHMS) at the Mountain Top University, Prayer City, Ogun State, has held its second international conference themed, “Initiating Innovation in Digitality through the Humanities, Management and Social Sciences for Sustainable Development.”

The Vice-Chancellor of Mountain Top University, Professor Elijah Ayolabi, while declaring the conference open revealed that the solution to the challenges presently confronting Nigeria and world at large requires an intersection of innovation, digitality, and sustainability.

He added that initiating digital innovations for sustainable development is a necessity for the present world, noting that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient.

Highlighting some of these global challenges to include terrorism, wars, hunger, poverty, fake news, climate change, and social inequality, he called for new solutions that leverage the power of digital technology to drive sustainable development.

Ayolabi urged the need for collaboration among various fields of learning to create innovative and multidisciplinary research activities that will holistically address societal challenges and come up with better long-lasting solutions.

He maintained that Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain and data analytics are not just buzzwords, but powerful tools that can create more efficient, transparent, and sustainable systems.

He explained that fostering innovation across Humanities, Management and Social Sciences in sustainable development cannot be undermined since digital tools are now being used to document and preserve cultural heritage threatened by climate change or neglect.

The Vice-chancellor further stated that the power of technology should be harnessed in order to democratize access to knowledge and foster a culture of lifelong learning as digital technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of education and knowledge dissemination.

His words, “Initiating innovations in digitality for sustainable development is a necessity for the present world we live in. It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to harness the power of digital technology to create a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for all. As the entire world battles to address the pressing global challenges, it has become increasingly clear that the traditional approaches are no longer sufficient, hence we must look at new innovative solutions that leverage the power of digital technology to drive sustainable development.

“Sustainable development encompasses environmental, social, and economic well-being for present and future generations, this necessitates a multifaceted approach, hence fostering innovation across Humanities, Management and Social Science in sustainable development cannot be undermined and it is equally important.”

Ayolabi said innovation is the driving force behind progress and stressed that digital technology has the potential to revolutionize the way sustainability is approached.

Ayolabi stressed that research should move from conceptualization to application in solving real-life problems.

In his opening speech, the Dean of the College of Humanities Management and Social Sciences, Professor Babatunde Oni, said there is a cusp of a new era in human history where the fusion of technology and human insight opens unprecedented avenues for progress.

He noted that the conference was organised to chart a pathway towards a meaningful and rewarding life for the human race.

Oni stressed that the conference is a testament to the collectivecommitmentment of the college to actively shape the future of digital innovation for development that is sustainable in the long run.

His words, “Innovation is not just about technology we create; it is also about the lives we touch and the communities we build. The Humanities, with their rich exploration of human experience, provide a compass for ethical and impactful innovation. The management sciences, while focusing on efficiency and effectiveness in the instrumentation of human and material resources, ensure that our digital endeavours are sustainable and scalable.

“The social sciences, with their understanding of social dynamics, guarantee that our innovations are inclusive and beneficial to all.”

The Chairman Local Organising Committee and Acting Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. (Mrs) Patience Ajirioghene Erigbe, states that they bring ideas that will foster better lives and solve national problems.

In his paper presentation titled,
“Exploring/Exploiting Digital Technology in Investment for Sustainable Development: A Conceptual Review,” Dr Bayo Olugbemi, Managing Director/CEO of FIRST Registrars and Investors Services Limited, described evolving and developing nations as multi-dynamic in nature, culture, peculiarities, and environmentally hence applying equally multi-dynamic approaches in the utilisation of digital technologies.

This, he said, can be more beneficial, particularly in speeding up development processes.

Olugbemi added that to achieve faster and more efficient development outcomes it is important to apply an approach that acknowledges the multidimensional nature of the nations involved which are often distinct and complex.