The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode Adebowale, has stated that approaching research from a multidisciplinary perspective will lead to innovations that can solve societal problems.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of administration, Professor Peter Olapegba, made this known on Tuesday in Ibadan during the two-day first annual Ibadan international conference in multidisciplinary studies organised by the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies of the university, with the theme: ‘Current trends in multidisciplinary: Models, methodologies, and applications’.
He stated that the problems of yesterday are not the problems of today, and that approaching research from many dimensions and perspectives will lead to robust outcomes in solving societal challenges.
“When we work in silos, there is little we can do, but when we work together, we solve problems in a better and faster way.”
The chairman of the occasion and founder of Achievers University, Dr Olabode Ayorinde, stressed that it is important to break new grounds and barriers with multiple disciplines, ensuring that knowledge is not only generated but also applied to solve real-world challenges.
Dr Ayorinde urged researchers to remain committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice, adding that the impact of research is maximised when it informs policy and industry practices.
In light of this, he further urged researchers to ensure that their research efforts do not gather dust in the library, adding, “From the onset of research planning, university authorities should identify relevant industries and enlist their interests.”
The former vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Abel Olayinka, titled his keynote address ‘Why a Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies at the University of Ibadan?’, which highlighted the progress and achievements the centres and departments in the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies have made over the years.
Professor Olayinka emphasised that multidisciplinary studies should be given the attention they deserves because almost all the problems people and societies face are multidisciplinary in nature.
“Scholars must relate with others outside their fields or departments to enhance collaboration, foster knowledge, and achieve greater results,” he said.
While speaking about the challenges facing the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies and how they can be addressed, Professor Olayinka stressed that knowledge management, teaching, research, and community service are needed to better the future of the university and country.
The dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, Professor Peter Obutte, stated that the theme of the conference emphasises “the imperative of retooling and rethinking scholarly research and intellectual inquires with purpose towards positive social impacts.”
Professor Obutte further emphasised that the improvement in the quality of life should be the outcome of knowledge pursuit and processes, adding that obligation is attainable “when seekers of knowledge in their silos and repositories are synergised and synthesised for utilisation in solving identified problems.”
According to Professor Obutte, a hundred and ten abstracts were received for the conference.
The pioneer dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, Professor I. O. Albert, recalled that in the past scholars engaged in silo scholarship, but that things have changed and researchers should be able to use their field of specialisation as a launching pad to connect with the world.
He said the faculty is trying to build the capacity of scholars to look beyond their narrow training and use the tools of other disciplines to break into other grounds, adding, “Any topic now can be approached from any angle.”
The other keynote speaker expected to speak at the two-day conference was Professor Pauline Deutz, a visiting professor of circular economy and sustainability at the University of Hull, United Kingdom.
Professor Deutz is expected to speak on the topic ‘Lessons from the experiences of a social scientist in multidisciplinary environmental research’.
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