By Adeyinka Adeniran
Experts, scholars and professionals in the field of Operational Research and Management Science have said Artificial Intelligence and Operational Research would play significance roles in driving Nigeria’s development if well harnessed.
The experts made the submission at the 6th Annual International Conference of the Institute of Operational Research and Management Science of Nigeria (IORMS) held at Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State. The conference drew scholars and professionals from within and outside Nigeria.
The three-day hybrid conference, which ran from October 14 to 16, 2025, had as its theme “Optimising Nigeria’s Development: Operational Research & AI as Catalysts”, also marked the 10th anniversary of the institute, founded in 2015.
According to the experts, as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and improve the lives of its citizens, the importance of AI and Operational Research cannot be overstated.
They noted that, with the right investments and strategies, Nigeria can harness the power of these technologies to achieve sustainable development and improve the lives of its citizens.
Setting the tone for the discussion in his opening address, the National President of IORMS, Prof. Idorenyin Etukudo, lamented the wide gap between academic research and practical application in Nigeria’s development process., saying, “sustainable economic development in Nigeria continues to elude us largely because of the wide gap between academic research and practical operations.”
He explained that IORMS had continued to serve as a platform for professionals in science, engineering, and management to apply research to real-life challenges.
He recalled the institute’s journey from its inception under Prof. Funso Akingbade in 1983 to its official registration in 2014 and inauguration a year later.
Delivering the keynote address, High Chief Oladotun Fagbenle urged Nigerians to harness Operational Research and Artificial Intelligence for national growth.
The Chief Conference Speaker, Prof. Adedeji Badiru, Emeritus Dean, Postgraduate School, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), USA, spoke on innovation and sustainable development while Prof. Gerhard-Wilhelm Weber of Poznan University of Technology, Poland, joined virtually to present a paper on “Analysis of Finance–Human Factor Interaction Indicators.”
Other notable participants included Prof. Bola Dixon-Ogbechi (University of Lagos), Prof. Cynthia Orumie (University of Port Harcourt), Prof. Mumuni Adamu (University of Ibadan), and Profs. Adebo Babatunde and Olatunde Yara of Lead City University.
On the second day of the conference which focused on AI and sustainable development, the Coordinator of the Euro Working Group on Business Analytics and AI Interfaces, University College Dublin, Ireland, Prof. Paula Carroll, gave a lecture entitled: “Business Analytics and AI for Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Parallel paper presentations followed, both physically and virtually, with researchers sharing findings in operations research, management science, and analytics. The sessions were marked by active engagement and collaboration among participants.
The final day of the conference featured a virtual session with Dr. Justine Broiham, Senior Project and Consulting Specialist from Germany, who introduced participants to the use of GAMS software for complex modelling.
Prof. Christopher Thron from Texas, USA, also presented a paper on “Interactive AI for Accelerating OR Development.”
The conference concluded with the inauguration of GLOW Nigeria (Global Leaders in OR Women) by the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS), with Prof. Bola Dixon-Ogbechi appointed national leader of the initiative.
The event also marked the induction of new members, the award of fellowships to deserving professionals, and the institute’s Annual General Meeting.
To commemorate IORMS’s 10th anniversary, an award for Best Research Paper was presented in honour of the late founding President, Prof. Funso Akingbade, by his daughter, Mrs. Adebimpe Adenike Ajelabi of the University of Lagos.
The Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, was honoured with the IORMS Fellowship Award for his contribution to education and research.
The Chairman, Governing Council of Lead City University, Prof. Jide Owoeye, also received an Honorary Fellowship Award for his role in advancing education.
The conference provided a platform for researchers to share findings in operations research, management science, and analytics, with active engagement and collaboration among participants.
