By Aanuoluwa Williams
The University of Ibadan Students’ Research and Innovation Club held the RISE Conference on Saturday, September 8, 2025, an event centred on Research, Innovation, and Skill Empowerment. The conference, which began at 11:00 a.m. with Damilola David as compere, brought together dignitaries, scholars, and students to promote a culture of research and creativity within the university community.
In attendance were notable figures, including Prof. Oyewale Odedomi, WHO representative and keynote speaker; Dr Obaro Michael; Prof. Olatunji Akinoye; Dr Ekundayo Samuel, President of the Research and Innovation Club; Dr Iyiola, Director of UI Students Affairs; and Prof. Sherifat Aboaba, representing the Vice Chancellor. Others included Prof. Demola Lewis, Dean of Student Affairs, represented by Pharmacist Akinsishe, and Dr Babatunde Ojebunmi of the Department of Communication and Language Arts.
Delivering the welcome address, Olatunleyi Adetunji explained the acronym RISE and its objectives, emphasising the importance of research and innovation for national development.
The keynote address titled “Unlocking Potential: The Essence of Research” was presented by Prof. Oyewale Tonori, who spoke on the role of research in national progress. He highlighted the lingering effects of colonialism on African scholarship and urged participants to “decolonise their research.” He also noted that the world’s oldest university, founded in 859 AD, is in Africa, not Europe, and encouraged researchers to uphold ethics, culture, and truth in their work.
A panel session on “Thriving as a Prospective and Early Career Researcher” featured Dr Babatunde Ojebunmi, Dr Obaro Michael, and Olatunleyin Adebisi, who discussed the value of mentorship, flexibility, and communication skills in building a research career. Another session led by Dr Miracle Adesina focused on communicating research effectively, stressing clarity, creativity, and conscience as essential tools for impactful scholarship.
The event also featured a question-and-answer segment on research ethics with Prof. Tonori, who addressed issues such as plagiarism, research misconduct, and the importance of ethical approval.
The Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition saw both undergraduate and postgraduate students present their research ideas. Undergraduate contestants included Oluwuyi Dimeji, Olojede Al-amin Adebare, Adebiyi Oluwabusolami Rachael, and Clement Oga Ilam, while postgraduate participants were Boluwatife Bamidele, Jimoh Yusrah Tosin, and Enayi Onagi.
Olojede Al-amin Adebare won the undergraduate category with a score of 14/20, and Enayi Onagi emerged as the postgraduate winner. Awards were presented by Prof. Sherifat Aboaba, who also represented the Vice Chancellor, to the keynote speaker and staff adviser Dr. Ekundayo Samuel.
The event ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Abdulmamzeet Amzat, marking the close of an inspiring and intellectually engaging conference dedicated to empowering a new generation of researchers.
