UI’s Sigma Club Holds 11th Public Lecture, Features Alaafin of Oyo

 

By Prevail Otobo

On July 3, 2025, Sigma Club, University of Ibadan, held its 11th public lecture event in honour of Old Chief Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, themed "Leveraging Technology and Digital Education For Mass Employment: Wealth Creation and Poverty Alleviation.” The event was hosted at the University’s alumni hall.

The event, which was stipulated to commence by 9 a.m., kicked off by 10 a.m., with the MC apologizing for the delay. The conference featured figures including Dr. Karl Toriola Olutokun, the managing director and current CEO of MTN, Nigeria, as the guest speaker. Dr Karl, in his speech, addressed the challenges and  barriers of prosperity in Nigeria, in his words; “Education should be made employable, the curriculum should be adjusted to teach real skills required in the marketplace.” He emphasised the dynamic nature of the economy and encouraged the audience not to remain static but to stay up to date.

 

The lecture was ensued by a message from Mr. Temidayo Oniosun, the managing director of Space who celebrated and appreciated the life and accomplishments of the honoree, Dr Adesola Adeduntan. The speech was paused to allow for the welcoming and entrance of the Alaafin of Oyo and royal father of the day, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade escorted by his royal attendants.

The honoree also gave his speech, urging students to integrate aptitude, attitude and brain capacity. Awards were presented to the speakers by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Auspicious team, with photographs taken subsequently. An MTN representative took the next stage, explaining the various services offered by MTN aimed at facilitating students’ experience.The event ended with the recitation of the Sigma Club anthem, the school anthem and Nigeria’s anthem followed by the taking of photographs of the attendees at the photobooth.