- Calls for Policy Support to harness youth potentials
A renowned financial expert and entrepreneur, Otunba Oluwadare Owolabi, has identified multidisciplinary studies as a critical catalyst for grassroots development, urging governments at all levels to formulate policies that will harness the enormous multidisciplinary potential of Nigerian youths for national development.
Otunba Owolabi made the assertion while delivering the maiden Faculty Lecture of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, Ekiti State University (EKSU), titled “Multidisciplinary Studies as a Catalyst for Grassroots Development,” held at the Twin Hall of the Faculty of the Social Sciences of the university, on Thursday, 26th June, 2026.
Otunba Oluwadare Owolabi, who is the Chief Executive Officer of ARCA Payments Limited, Lagos, described the lecture theme as timely and relevant to the demands of today’s technology-driven economy, where industries increasingly seek professionals equipped with diverse knowledge and adaptable skills.
Reflecting on his academic and professional journey, Otunba Owolabi explained that his background in farming, Industrial Chemistry, Computer Information Systems and Business Administration equipped him with the confidence, versatility and expertise required to excel in the Nigerian financial industry and create opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
He maintained that multidisciplinary knowledge, when properly harnessed and guided by purposeful execution, has the capacity to transform communities and stimulate national development.
According to him, governments must demonstrate the political will to formulate industrial policies that encourage innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and the practical application of knowledge.
“Multidisciplinary knowledge without the discipline of execution produces little value. Knowledge becomes truly impactful only when it is translated into results,” he stated.
He therefore encouraged students to cultivate a multidisciplinary mindset, describing it as an essential problem-solving approach that would distinguish them in an increasingly competitive global economy.
He urged them to prepare themselves as innovators, leaders and stakeholders capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
Declaring the lecture open, the Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor M. O. Oke, described Otunba Owolabi as an ideal choice for the maiden faculty lecture, noting that his professional accomplishments exemplify the transformative power of interdisciplinary learning, innovation and enterprise.
Professor Ayodele stated that the establishment of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies reflects the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped with the versatility, creativity and critical problem-solving skills required to thrive in the twenty-first century.
“As a University, Ekiti State University remains committed to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but equipped with the versatility, creativity and problem-solving skills required to excel in the twenty-first century,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the leadership of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies for initiating and making into reality the maiden lecture, describing the initiative as visionary and capable of enriching intellectual discourse while strengthening the University’s reputation for academic excellence and innovation.
The lecture featured an engaging interactive session, during which participants had the opportunity of seeking clarifications on some critical issues, from the guest lecturer.
Among the dignitaries who attended the lecture were the Onise of Odo-Oro Ekiti, Oba (Barrister) Babatunde Ojo Jemileyin; the University Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) M. A. Aboyade; the Dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies and Chairman of the EKSU Committee of Deans, Professor Isaac Abiodun Ajayi; staff, students and other invited guests.
