The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Industry Advisory Board (IAB) of the Faculty of Engineering, Adeleke University, Ede, Engr. Ibraheem Folarin Bello, FNSE (Immediate Past Chairman of NSE Ibadan Branch), has pledged to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry to enhance the quality of engineering education and produce graduates equipped for the demands of the global workplace.

Bello made the commitment on Tuesday while delivering his acceptance speech at his inauguration held at The Dome, Faculty of Engineering, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State.

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Describing his appointment as “a call to service,” Bello expressed appreciation to the university management for the confidence reposed in him, promising to discharge his responsibilities with diligence, professionalism, transparency and integrity.

Speaking on the theme of the inauguration, “Bridging Industry Gaps, Advancing Educational Excellence, and Celebrating Academic Milestone,” Bello said sustainable partnerships between universities and industry remain critical to technological advancement, innovation and national development.

He noted that the Industry Advisory Board would serve as a strategic platform for connecting classroom learning with practical industry experience, while ensuring that engineering graduates possess the skills required to compete globally.

According to him, the Board will prioritise strengthening partnerships between the Faculty of Engineering and relevant industries, promoting curriculum development in line with emerging technologies and international best practices, facilitating research collaborations and innovation, supporting the commercialisation of research outcomes, and expanding internship, mentorship and career development opportunities for students.

He also stressed the need to encourage entrepreneurship among engineering students to improve their employability and capacity to drive economic growth.

Bello observed that Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development in infrastructure, energy, transportation, manufacturing and digital technology requires universities to produce graduates who are not only academically excellent but also innovative, entrepreneurial and ethically grounded.

He assured the university community of his commitment to working closely with the management, faculty members, industry stakeholders and fellow members of the Board to achieve the institution’s vision of academic excellence and industry relevance.

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The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Solomon A. Adebola, represented by Professor Luke Onuoha, members of the university management, academics, industry leaders and other stakeholders.