By Esther Sangodele
The Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, University of Ibadan (UI), will on Thursday convene academics, business leaders, policymakers and technology experts for a symposium on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in business growth and sustainability.
The symposium, themed “Harnessing AI for Business Survival and Expansion in the Knowledge Economy,” will hold at the Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF) Auditorium, opposite the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan.
The event is expected to examine how businesses can leverage AI-driven technologies to remain competitive, improve productivity and unlock new opportunities in an increasingly knowledge-based economy.
Leading discussions at the symposium are Chief Executive Officer of BeamX Solutions Ltd, Obinna Nweke, and the Chief Executive Officer of Cynergy Solutions Ltd, Dr. Oladipupo Sennaike, who will deliver keynote addresses on the adoption of AI in business operations and enterprise development.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ojo Ademola Obafemi, is expected to attend as the guest of honour.
The symposium will also feature a panel discussion involving industry experts, including the General Manager (Commercial) of UAC Foods, Dr. Ayo Awosika; founder of Vickajiboye Media, Victoria Ajiboye; Head of Engineering at MainStack, Seun Osuntoki; and Oyo State Government SME Consultant, Mr. Oladayo Bello.
The Head of the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies, Dr. Samuel Orekoya, who is hosting the event, said the symposium forms part of the department’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and industry practice.
According to him, the programme is designed to expose students, entrepreneurs and business executives to emerging digital technologies that are reshaping marketing, consumer behaviour and enterprise management.
He noted that AI has become an indispensable tool for innovation, operational efficiency and strategic decision-making, making it imperative for businesses to understand and harness its potential.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, will chair the symposium, while the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, Professor Abiodun Folawewo, will serve as chief host.
The event has attracted support from several corporate organisations, including Gala, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Coca-Cola, ProvidusBank, BeamX Solutions Ltd, Cynergy Solutions Ltd, Swan, Zuri Seasoning, Sumal and Item7go.
