LASU hosts Industry Day 3.0: A powerful convergence of ideas, innovation and the next generation of logistics leaders

The 2025 Industry Day hosted by the School of Transport and Logistics, Lagos State University (LASU), in collaboration with the Department of Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Kaduna State University (KASU), unfolded in grand style at the Femi Gbajabiamila Conference Centre, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos, on Thursday, 11th December 2025. With the theme “Industry Day 3.0”, the event delivered a vibrant blend of intellectual engagement, professional immersion, and cross-institutional collaboration that kept the atmosphere buzzing with purpose and promise.

Acting Dean, School of Transport and Logistics, Dr Ogochukwu *Ugboma*, set the tone in her opening remarks as she warmly welcomed all participants and emphasised the deeper essence of Industry Week. She described the programme as “a bridge linking academia with industry, theory with practice, and ambition with opportunity.” Dr Ugboma reaffirmed LASU’s unwavering commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically grounded but industry ready, globally competitive, and capable of leading in a fast-changing logistics ecosystem.

She highlighted that this year’s edition was deliberately enriched, featuring career talks, expert-led sessions, an academic field trip, structured networking, and the highly anticipated Students’ Debate Competition. Every element, she noted, was curated to build competence, confidence, ethical grounding, and a strong professional identity among students. She expressed deep appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, represented by the Director, School of Part-Time Studies, Professor Oluwatobi Pemede, stating that the University’s support continues to elevate SOTAL’s vision and impact.

In her remarks, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello thanked all industry captains, distinguished guests, LASU students and staff, and the visiting KASU delegation for their commitment to excellence. She encouraged students to seize every opportunity presented by Industry Day, which is “to learn with curiosity, connect with intentionality, and envision themselves as solution-driven professionals in a world that increasingly relies on logistics intelligence.” She reaffirmed LASU-SOTAL’s mission to nurture innovators who will transform the nation’s transport and supply chain landscape.

The Head of Department, Department of Procurement and Supply Chain Management, KASU, Dr Usman Abbas, expressed profound gratitude to the LASU Vice-Chancellor, the Acting Dean, and the entire SOTAL community for their hospitality and collaboration. He celebrated the successful four-day engagement, which took place from Monday, 8th December to Thursday, 11th December 2025 and commended the seamless synergy that strengthened institutional ties and enriched the experience for both institutions.

One of the major sponsors, LEARN Logistics by Kuehne Foundation ably represented by the Country Director, Mr Stephen Akut, delivered a goodwill message urging students to immerse themselves fully in the learning process. He emphasised that Industry Day offers a rare platform to learn, connect, collaborate, and build networks that can redefine their future careers.

A major highlight of the event was the dynamic panel session on building a successful career in Logistics, Transport, and Supply Chain, moderated by the former Dean, Prof C. Asenime. He gave insightful remarks on the expanding opportunities available to graduates of BSc LSCM within Nigeria and globally. Students engaged actively, posing thoughtful questions and receiving responses that clarified career pathways, industry expectations, and emerging global trends.

The Debate Competition brought both LASU and KASU students together in mixed groups of six to engage in intellectually stimulating arguments on the motion: “Soft skills—specifically cross-cultural negotiation and ethical governance—are a greater determinant of success in the AfCFTA era than mastery of disruptive technical competence (AI, Blockchain, IoT).”
The debate showcased exceptional analytical depth, teamwork, and communication prowess. LEARN Logistics by Kuehne Foundation represented by the Country Director, Mr Stephen Akut, awarded the winning group a cash prize of ₦500,000, while other participating groups received ₦200,000 each, alongside additional gift items by the host, SOTAL.

Another remarkable moment was the induction of students into the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), conducted by the National Director, CILT (Next Gen), Mr Reynolds Shodeinde. The ceremony underscored the students’ transition into the professional space. This was followed by the recognition of SOTAL scholars, who received cash gifts from dignitaries as a gesture of encouragement for their excellence, diligence, and commitment to academic distinction. The Acting Dean, Dr Ogochukwu Ugboma, also presented awards and expressions of appreciation to valued SOTAL partners.

The event attracted an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including Professor S. G. Odewumi; the Director-General, African Centre for Supply Chain, Dr Obiora Madu; Director of Procurement, Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs Aminat Idris; the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Corps Commander Ganiyu K. Hamzat ably represented by the Unit Commander, Iba, Chief Route Commander Oriyomi O. Savage, among others.

Representatives of LASTMA, LACVIS, LAMATA, Traffic Radio, Nigeria Customs, LBSL, NURTW, and several others were also present. Staff and students of both SOTAL (LASU) and KASU were also in strong attendance.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Acting School Officer/Administrative Secretary, School of Transport and Logistics, Mr Herbert *Olumakaye* (Senior Assistant Registrar), who appreciated everyone who contributed to the success of *Industry Day 3.0*.

The event concluded with an energetic networking session, giving students the opportunity to interact, exchange ideas, and form meaningful professional relationships.

Industry Day 3.0 not only celebrated knowledge and collaboration but also reaffirmed the place of LASU and KASU as institutions committed to shaping a new generation of logistics and supply chain leaders prepared to take Africa forward.

Industry Week 3.0 comes to a close on *Friday, 12th December 2025*.

We are LASU, We are Great