Professor Olutayo Kehinde Boyinbode, a distinguished professor of Software Intelligence Systems at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has called for a deeper collaboration between industry and academia to drive Nigeria’s artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) revolution.
During the university’s 177th inaugural lecture, titled “Omnicomputing: Integrating Mobility, Ubiquity, Learning, and Intelligence in 4IR,” Boyinbode highlighted the vital role such partnerships would play in addressing technical challenges, exploring new applications, and training the next generation of AI experts in the country.
Boyinbode emphasized that omnicomputing, which stands at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), could transform every facet of society.
“Omnicomputing is at the forefront of 4IR, driving significant transformations globally. The integration of omnicomputing with artificial intelligence and IoT will revolutionize education and research, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution with clear advantages in all spheres of endeavor,” she stated.
She called for a robust push in research and development in omnicomputing, urging academic institutions to foster student-led projects exploring its various applications.
“We need strong industry-academia partnerships to develop and pilot omnicomputing tools tailored for educational needs,” Boyinbode noted.
The professor further stressed the importance of developing comprehensive policies and protocols to guide the responsible deployment of these technologies. “Governments at all levels, industry bodies, and organizations must collaborate to develop policies addressing data security, interoperability, and ethical AI practices,” she urged.
Boyinbode advocated for the widespread adoption of omnicomputing to enhance remote learning, tackle security challenges, and bridge the digital divide in education. Describing omnicomputing as a “seamless, ubiquitous computing paradigm,” she elaborated on its potential to integrate various computing, data storage, and communication technologies into the everyday life of students and faculty. “Omnicomputing ensures that processing power and data are always available everywhere, providing real-time services across various environments,” she explained.
Highlighting the importance of seamless learning, especially in remote settings, Boyinbode urged for the development of immersive virtual environments. She emphasized the creation of smart campuses with interconnected devices that could facilitate real-time translation, text-to-speech accessibility, and activated assistants for enhanced student interaction.
Addressing mobile learning (m-learning), which leverages mobile devices for anytime, anywhere education, she stressed the importance of secure networks and strict data protection measures. “Educational institutions must adopt secure and encrypted networks to protect learning resources and student data from breaches,” she cautioned.
Professor Boyinbode also recommended using scalable cloud services for managing IoT data and incorporating blockchain technology to reduce vulnerabilities in IoT networks. “Blockchain technology can ensure transparency and prevent single points of failure in decentralized IoT systems,” she stated. She further proposed the use of IoT sensor networks for context-aware computing based on environmental and user data, as well as the deployment of location-tracking systems to improve navigation and asset tracking within educational environments.
The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, commended Professor Boyinbode for her insightful lecture, stressing its timeliness and importance for the advancement of the university’s technological goals. “Omnicomputing aligns perfectly with FUTA’s vision of becoming a globally recognized, technology-driven institution,” Professor Oladiji said. She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting research in emerging technologies, fostering industry-academia collaboration, and implementing smart campus initiatives.
The Vice Chancellor further encouraged both students and faculty to seize the opportunities presented by omnicomputing to drive innovation and address the digital divide in education. “We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation at FUTA,” she added.
In conclusion, Professor Oladiji praised Professor Boyinbode’s contributions to the field of Software Intelligence Systems and assured the university’s unwavering support for pioneering research in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
