UNILAG charts business sustainability path amid tech economic disruptions

…Hosts 2026 Annual International Research Conference

 

As rapid technological advancements reshape economic realities and work patterns, uncertainties continue to challenge traditional business models, academia is emerging as a critical partner in helping organisations navigate a sustainable future.

Scholars at the University of Lagos’ (UNILAG) Faculty of Management Sciences’ 2026 Annual International Research Conference, themed ‘Business Innovations, Sustainability, and Resilience: Navigating the Future,’ held on Wednesday, pointed the way to navigating the tech-disrupted economic spaces through innovative strategies.

Toyin Adisa, director at Centre of Work, \organisation and Technology (CWOT), University of East London, United Kingdom, speaking on the topic: ‘Work, Workers, Organisation, and Technology: the Implications therein’ emphasised that technology is deeply entwined with the modern world of work, transforming how people work, communicate, and collaborate.

“The rise of technology necessitates new skills in areas such as data analysis, digital literacy, and the ability to work with AI and automation.

“Tools such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaboration platforms improve communication and teamwork, connecting employees regardless of location,” he noted.

However, he said in Nigeria, the advancement of technology comes with challenges such as tech literacy, Internet connection, electricity issue, cyber crime, and willingness to embrace the new business model.

Adisa called on education policymakers and implementers to find a way of gripping technology into what students do in class so that they are prepared for what is happening in the society.

“The 6th Industrial Revolution is going to see us having a plane that nobody is going to be in the cockpit. If anybody is in the cockpit, it’s going to be a dog and somebody to feed the dog.

“Now, all the businesses should be ready for this, and we should also, as academics, think about how we can prepare our students for this, not just the businesses; because we are training future business, government leaders and the workers,” he said.

Folasade Ogunsola, the vice-chancellor at UNILAG, represented by Olufunlayo Bammeke, director of academic planning at the institution, said the theme of the conference is timely.

Ogunsola noted that innovations is at the heart of her administration, because she believes that continuous innovations are essential for any university to retain relevance in the 21st century.

“We believes that despite the difficulties in our society, businesses must continuously innovate and always come up with strategic methods of starting and remaining relevant in the difficult economic circumstances that we have found ourselves,” she said.

Adeola Sulaimon, dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, represented by Oluseyi Shadare, associate professor and human resource management expert in the Department of Employment Relations & HR Management, UNILAG, said that the presence of the conference participants reflects a shared commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and developing sustainable solutions to the complex challenges of the contemporary era.

“We are in an era characterised by rapid technological transformation, shifting economic realities, changing work patterns, environmental concerns, and increasing global interconnectedness.

“These developments have fundamentally altered the way businesses operate and compete. In such an environment, innovation is no longer optional, sustainability is no longer a choice, and resilience is no longer a desirable attribute,” he said.

Besides, he said that technology challenges the academia to critically examine how businesses can leverage innovation to create value, embrace sustainable practices that promote long-term prosperity, and develop the resilience necessary to withstand adaptation to uncertainty.

“As scholars and practitioners, we have a unique responsibility to generate evidence-based insights that can inform policy, guide business strategy, and contribute meaningfully to societal development,” he noted.

John Oladimeji, chairman of the conference organising committee, said, “Rapid technological advancements, environmental concerns, economic uncertainties, and evolving societal expectations continue to reshape the business landscape.

“And in response, innovations, sustainability, and resilience have emerged not merely as strategic choices but as essential pillars for long-term success and societal progress.”

Queensley Seghosime, the 62nd president of ICAN, represented by Oye Akinsulire, first deputy vice-president of the institute, commended the university and the faculty for their wavering commitment to advancing scholarship, innovation, and thought leadership.

“Institutions such as yours play a critical role in generating the ideas, evidence, and insights that shape the thought of individuals, stronger economies, and more resilient societies.

“Across the world, organisations are confronting unprecedented technological disruptions, overwhelming stakeholder expectations, and increasing demands for sustainable value creation. In this environment, resilience is no longer merely the capacity to withstand shocks; it is the ability to innovate, adapt, and thrive amid continuous changes,” she said.

Moreover, she said the future belongs to institutions that successfully combine innovation with integrity, technology with human capital, and growth with sustainability.

“Achieving this balance requires the very kind of interdisciplinary research, policy development, and industry collaboration that this conference seeks to promote,” she noted.