The College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, commenced its first In-Service Training Programme on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

In her welcome address, the Provost, Prof.  Adenike Olugbenga-Bello

, described the initiative as a strategic step towards building a cohesive, forward-looking and globally competitive College. 
She emphasised the need to strengthen research output, attract competitive funding, promote high-impact publications, embrace Artificial Intelligence responsibly and foster effective workplace relationships.
Themed 'Advancing Excellence in Research, Innovation, Academic Leadership, and Workplace Harmony in the College of Health Sciences', the two-day programme featured a keynote presentation by Professor Samuel Taiwo on the future of health sciences research in Nigeria, alongside panel discussions on academic excellence, funding, publishing and promotion.
The Provost reaffirmed that institutional excellence is a collective responsibility involving academic, administrative and support staff, as well as students. 
The programme also addressed the responsible adoption of other emerging technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, research grant proposal development, academic career progression and practical ICT skills. 
Distinguished scholars,

experienced academic leaders and specialists in conflict management were expected to contribute their expertise to equip participants with practical knowledge, fresh perspectives and opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
Professor Olugbenga-Bello expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rasaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu, the University Management and the organising committee for their support.
In his keynote lecture, Professor Taiwo highlighted Nigeria’s achievements in infectious disease research, cancer studies, genomic surveillance and indigenous drug development. 
He, however, identified persistent challenges, including inadequate funding, poor laboratory infrastructure, limited capacity for early-phase clinical trials, weak institutional collaboration and the continuous emigration of skilled researchers.
Focusing on LAUTECH and the College, he noted the need to expand funded research projects, strengthen institutional research support and improve access to competitive grants.
He advocated sustainable research funding, public-private partnerships, digital health integration, international collaboration and improved incentives for researchers.
Professor Taiwo urged participants to strengthen their proposal-writing skills, pursue available funding opportunities, embrace artificial intelligence and engage in collaborative research.

The workshop aimed to advance research excellence, innovation and academic leadership within the College and the wider university community