McPherson University recently hosted its highly anticipated Tech Expo 2025, a dynamic event centered on the theme “Innovating the Digital Future: Emerging Trends in Computing & Technology.” The expo brought to fore the university’s commitment to fostering technological advancement and preparing students for the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities, gaining international exposure, and leveraging emerging technologies to drive economic development, that will enhance education, revolutionize healthcare, and foster social connectivity.
The event was loaded with insightful addresses from key university figures, including the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francis Adegbaye Igbasan, represented by Professor Olatunji Okesola. Professor Okesola highlighted McPherson University’s unique position to cater to students’ career needs and encouraged them to embrace available opportunities. Dr. Emmanuel Ibiam, the Host and Acting Dean of the College of Computing, celebrated the college’s significant achievements, including students winning national and international accolades and grants, such as a 300-level student who recently secured a $5,000 grant. He also announced the official unveiling of the Pyclub (Python Club), led by Dr. Kayode Oladapo, Director of ICT, designed to help students gain ideas and grow.
A central theme of the expo was the transformative power of the “information superhighway” (internet and digital infrastructure). Professor Julius Olatunji Okesola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, accentuates its necessity towards driving global connectivity, e-commerce, remote work, and accessible online education. He stressed the critical need for students to acquire abundant digital skills and engage in collaboration and knowledge sharing to thrive in this interconnected world. The expo also addressed the challenges posed by this digital future, including the digital divide and cybersecurity risks, advocating for robust measures and effective regulation.
Professor Olumide Sunday Adewale from the School of Computing, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, delivered a lecture emphasizing that digital innovation and transformation represent a fundamental shift in how organizations operate. He explained that digital innovation, propelled by technologies like AI, big data analytics, and cloud computing, is about leveraging these assets to identify new opportunities and stimulate growth. Professor Adewale stressed the need for organizations to remain flexible and receptive to change in the perpetually fluxing digital environment, proactively addressing concerns regarding privacy, security, and ethics. He also highlighted the importance of training personnel, partnering with innovators, and cultivating a forward-thinking vision.
The discussions also explored the current landscape of emerging technologies. Participants learned about the significant advancements expected in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), with over 50% of organizations now investing more than half their digital budgets to AI initiatives. The inevitable emergence of quantum computing, is bound to revolutionize various domains including finance and national security.
Beyond innovation, the expo emphasized “Green Computing” as a sustainable path forward, focusing on minimizing the environmental impact of computing through energy efficient hardware, virtualization, responsible e-waste disposal, and the use of renewable energy sources for data centers. The keynote address by Mr. Gift Ojeabulu provided practical career guidance for students, outlining ways to build tech skills through international internships like Google Summer of Code, Outreachy, and MLH Fellowship, free online courses, and open-source projects, particularly for underrepresented groups. The event concluded with a pitch competition, where Adesida John and his team won first place for “Chowtap,” a food ordering application targeting private universities, while Boaz Olubakin secured second place. The Tech Expo 2025 served as a powerful platform, equipping McPherson University students with the knowledge and inspiration to become key innovators in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
