The Immediate Past Pioneer Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, FNSE, FNIEEE, FCMC, FIPMD, Reg. Eng. COREN, will lead professional discussions on the future of engineering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria as a Lead Speaker at the Second Edition of the International Conference organised by the School of Engineering Technology, Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa, Ogun State.
The hybrid international conference, scheduled for November 2–5, 2026, at the Prince Dapo Abiodun Twin Hall A, OGITECH, Igbesa, will examine the theme, “Repositioning Engineering TVET for Industrial Development and Global Competitiveness in Nigeria.”
Dr. Abdul-Hameed’s participation as Lead Speaker underscores the importance of experienced engineering professionals and institutional leaders in shaping conversations around technical education, industrial innovation, workforce development and Nigeria’s quest for a globally competitive manufacturing sector.
With his professional engineering credentials and experience as the pioneer Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Abdul-Hameed is expected to contribute valuable perspectives to discussions on strengthening engineering education, developing industry-relevant competencies and aligning technical training with the changing demands of modern industries.
The conference comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to seek practical solutions to industrialisation challenges, youth unemployment, technological dependence and the need to develop a highly skilled technical workforce capable of driving sustainable economic growth.
Through its central theme, the conference will provide a platform for engineering professionals, researchers, academics, policymakers, industry practitioners and technical education stakeholders to exchange ideas on transforming engineering TVET into a stronger instrument for national development and international competitiveness.
The conference will feature distinguished personalities, including the Rector of OGITECH, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, FBDFM, FCAI, FCPA, as Chief Host; the Dean of the School of Engineering Technology, Engr. Dr. Dauda Adekunle Folarin, FNSE, FNIEEE, CEE, FIPMD, Reg. Eng. COREN, as Host; and the Chairman of the Governing Council of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, Oyo State, Engr. Prof. Kazeem Adekunle Adebiyi, IFNSE, FNIMechE, FNISafetyE, Reg. Eng. COREN, as Keynote Speaker.
The keynote address will focus on the transition from conventional welding to smart manufacturing through the integration of automation, robotics and digital technologies into welding and fabrication TVET in Nigeria. It will also address strategies for closing the country’s welding skills gap through stronger industry-TVET partnerships and the development of a globally competitive fabrication workforce.
Other areas of discussion will include embedded systems, robotics and the Internet of Things for industrial automation; cybersecurity and network protection in TVET institutions; software development for digital transformation; sustainable energy technologies; Industry 4.0 applications in civil engineering education; sustainable construction; advanced manufacturing; maintenance engineering; materials innovation; and intelligent control systems for next-generation mechatronics.
The conference will also examine low-cost mechatronic system design, local technological innovation, automation and control systems for smart manufacturing, and the repositioning of welding and fabrication technology for industrial advancement.
These discussions are expected to contribute to broader conversations on how Nigeria can bridge the gap between classroom instruction and industrial practice, strengthen technical competencies, promote indigenous innovation and prepare graduates for emerging opportunities in the global economy.
For the government, the academic community and industry stakeholders, the conference presents an opportunity to explore practical policy directions, institutional partnerships and training models capable of improving the relevance of engineering education to national industrial priorities.
Dr. Abdul-Hameed’s appearance at the conference also provides an opportunity to highlight the contribution of experienced polytechnic administrators and engineering professionals to national conversations on technical education reform, institutional development and the advancement of science and technology.
The four-day event is expected to bring together participants physically and virtually, broadening opportunities for professional engagement, research dissemination, knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders in engineering education and industrial development.
As Nigeria seeks to build a resilient, technology-driven economy, the conference reinforces the importance of repositioning technical and vocational education as a strategic foundation for innovation, productive employment, industrial growth and sustainable national development.
The Second Edition of the OGITECH International Conference therefore offers an important platform for stakeholders to advance ideas and partnerships that can help transform engineering TVET into a driver of Nigeria’s industrial future and global competitiveness.
