The Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, has announced plans to hold its 12th inaugural lecture focusing on artificial intelligence, ethical hacking and the future of cyber defence.

The lecture, titled “The Vigilant Watchman and the Serpent’s Wisdom: Artificial Intelligence, Ethical Hacking, and the Future of Proactive Cyber Defense,” will be delivered by Professor Aderonke Justina Ikuomola, a professor of Computer Science and Information Security.

The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at the university auditorium by 1:00pm, with guests expected to be seated by 12:30pm.

The lecture will be hosted under the leadership of OAUSTECH Vice-Chancellor, Professor Temi E. Ologunorisa, on behalf of the university senate.

Why the lecture matters

The event comes at a time when concerns over cybercrime, online fraud, digital surveillance and AI-driven threats are increasing globally.

Experts say universities are playing a growing role in shaping conversations around cybersecurity, ethical technology and digital governance, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into finance, education, healthcare and public administration.

The lecture’s focus on “proactive cyber defence” highlights a shift from reacting to cyberattacks to preventing them before they occur.

Industry analysts say ethical hacking — where cybersecurity professionals test systems for vulnerabilities before criminals exploit them — is becoming increasingly important for organisations and governments.

Growing focus on AI and cybersecurity in Nigeria

Nigeria’s digital economy has expanded rapidly in recent years, with more businesses, institutions and government services moving online.

However, cybersecurity experts warn that the growth has also increased exposure to phishing attacks, ransomware, identity theft and financial fraud.

Universities and technology institutions are increasingly introducing cybersecurity programmes and AI-focused research to help bridge skills gaps in the sector.

Professor Ikuomola, who is affiliated with the Department of Cybersecurity at OAUSTECH’s School of Computing, is expected to address how artificial intelligence can strengthen cyber defence systems while also raising ethical and security concerns.

Academic community expected to attend

The inaugural lecture is expected to attract academics, students, technology professionals, public officials and cybersecurity stakeholders from across Nigeria.

University inaugural lectures are traditionally used to showcase major research contributions by professors while also addressing pressing national and global issues.

The event invitation was signed by the university registrar, Abiodun P. Okunniga.

JMG Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to improving elevator safety standards in Nigeria following a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Safety Commission in Lagos.

The meeting, held on Thursday at the Commission’s office in Alausa, Ikeja, focused on strengthening cooperation between regulators and the private sector on elevator safety awareness, technical training, compliance, and industry best practices.

The delegation from JMG included the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rabi Jammal, Group Operations Director for JMG Elevators, Ahmed Sameh, and Head of Marketing, Oluwatomi Faniran.

They were received by the Technical Adviser to the Lagos State Safety Commission, Seun Awojobi.

Why Elevator Safety Matters in Lagos

As Lagos continues to expand vertically with more residential towers, shopping malls, hotels, and office complexes, industry experts say elevator safety has become increasingly important.

Faulty elevators, poor maintenance practices, and weak compliance systems can pose risks to building occupants, especially in densely populated urban centres.

Industry analysts note that stronger regulation, regular inspections, and better technical training are becoming critical as Nigeria’s construction and real estate sectors grow.

JMG said its engagement with the Commission reflects a broader push to improve operational standards and align with international safety practices.

Speaking during the meeting, Rabi Jammal said the company remained committed to “safety, innovation, and operational excellence” across its operations.

According to him, JMG continues to align with global standards by investing in technical expertise, quality systems, and strategic partnerships aimed at creating safer environments.

He added that collaboration with regulators was necessary to improve compliance and strengthen public confidence in the industry.

“Collaborations with regulatory institutions such as the Lagos State Safety Commission are essential to strengthening compliance and boosting public confidence within the sector,” he said.

Lagos Safety Commission Calls for Stronger Collaboration

Responding during the visit, Seun Awojobi praised the initiative and stressed the importance of cooperation between regulators and private companies.

He said sustained engagement between stakeholders would help improve professionalism, safety consciousness, and compliance across the sector.

“Continuous stakeholder engagement would play a vital role in improving operational standards and ensuring safer systems across the state,” Awojobi said.

The discussions also covered technical capacity development, safety education, and long-term collaboration to support global best practices in Nigeria’s elevator and electro-mechanical industries.

JMG’s Growing Presence in Nigeria’s Infrastructure Sector

JMG Elevators, a division of JMG Limited, provides installation, maintenance, and modernization services for elevators and lift systems in commercial, residential, and industrial buildings.

The company is an authorised distributor of TK Elevator, formerly known as Thyssenkrupp Elevator.

Beyond vertical transportation systems, JMG operates across power generation, electrical infrastructure, cooling systems, air compressors, and renewable energy solutions, including solar and hybrid energy systems.

Industry observers say investments in safer building systems could become increasingly important as Nigeria modernises urban infrastructure and expands commercial real estate development.

What This Means for Residents and Businesses

For residents and property owners in Lagos, the partnership discussions could lead to stronger awareness around elevator inspections, maintenance culture, and adherence to safety standards.

Businesses operating high-rise buildings may also face growing expectations to comply with modern safety protocols as regulators and industry players intensify conversations around public safety.

Experts say the move could encourage more companies in the construction and facility management sectors to prioritise preventive maintenance and certified safety systems.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has called for a more human-centred approach to digital transformation, warning that technological advancement without ethics and accountability could weaken public trust.

Speaking at the 4th Biennial International Conference organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences at University of Ilorin in collaboration with RUDN University, Adeniyi said governments and institutions must ensure artificial intelligence serves society responsibly.

The conference, themed “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” gathered academics, policymakers, technology experts, communication scholars, and public sector leaders to discuss the impact of AI and digital innovation on governance, trade, education, and economic development.

“The digital age is, in the end, a human story, and the real test of our generation is not how powerful our machines become, but how wisely our societies choose to use them,” Adeniyi said during his keynote address.

Why It Matters

The comments come as governments and businesses across Africa increasingly adopt AI-powered systems, digital payments, automation, and e-commerce technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Nigeria has also accelerated digital reforms in customs administration, taxation, financial services, and public governance as part of broader economic modernisation efforts.

Experts say the challenge for many African countries is balancing innovation with data protection, transparency, accountability, and employment concerns.

Adeniyi argued that public institutions must ensure technology improves operational efficiency without eroding accountability structures or weakening public confidence.

“The partnership, not the rivalry, between human and artificial intelligence is where the real value lies,” he said.

Customs Highlights Digital Transformation Gains

Drawing from reforms within the Customs Service, Adeniyi pointed to the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System as a major milestone in trade facilitation and cargo processing.

According to him, the platform generated more than N230 billion at the PTML Command within its first eight months of operation.

He also said cargo clearance timelines for compliant traders had been reduced to less than eight hours, a development expected to improve trade efficiency and reduce delays at ports.

Industry analysts say faster cargo clearance could help lower logistics costs for importers and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional trade.

“Technology changes processes; leadership and expertise still deliver the results,” Adeniyi added.

Universities Urged to Drive Innovation

The Customs boss also challenged universities and research institutions to move beyond theoretical learning and play a more active role in solving governance and digital economy challenges.

He identified areas where academia could support Customs modernisation, including:

AI-driven risk management systems

Digital compliance frameworks

Public trust communication strategies

Governance of cross-border data flows

Adeniyi further called on African governments to develop digital governance systems tailored to local realities, legal systems, and development priorities.

He said technological advancement must remain accountable to citizens and aligned with societal needs.

Industry and Public Perspectives

Technology policy experts have increasingly warned about the risks of adopting artificial intelligence without adequate regulation, especially in developing economies where digital infrastructure and legal protections are still evolving.

Communication scholars at the conference also stressed the growing importance of ethical leadership, media literacy, and responsible AI deployment in public institutions.

For businesses and traders, improvements in Customs automation could reduce bottlenecks, simplify documentation processes, and improve transparency in cargo handling.

What’s Next

The conference is expected to strengthen collaboration between government institutions, universities, and international research bodies on digital innovation and governance.

On the sidelines of the event, Adeniyi met with communication professionals, traditional leaders, academics, and heads of government agencies to discuss partnerships in digital research, innovation, and capacity development.

Analysts say such collaborations may become increasingly important as African countries seek to compete in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.