Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan, has been announced as the host of the 2025 edition of the national conference of the Institute of Operational Research and Management Science of Nigeria (IORMS). The high-profile academic gathering, now in its sixth edition, is scheduled to take place in October and will explore the transformative potential of Operational Research (OR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s development.
Themed “Optimising Nigeria’s Development: Operational Research and AI as Catalysts,” the 2025 conference aims to bring together experts, researchers, and scholars in the fields of OR and AI to chart pathways for addressing national economic and systemic challenges through data-driven solutions.
According to the Acting Registrar of IORMS, Mr. Olugbenga Oso, the theme reflects the urgency of deploying intelligent decision-making frameworks. “When you have OR and AI resources being deployed, then you will have decision intelligence leading to development optimisation,” Oso stated.
IORMS Vice-President, Dr. Olabode Adewoye, explained that this year’s event is of double significance, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of EURO, the Association of Operational Research Societies in Europe, which is to be marked at the University of Leeds, UK, later in the year. “Operational research is not new in Nigeria; it has evolved through various iterations, and IORMS represents its structured institutionalisation,” he said.
Dr. Adewoye highlighted that Lead City University stands to benefit immensely from hosting the conference, noting that the institution will be spotlighted in the next issue of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS) quarterly publication. “We’ve already sent an article to IFORS confirming that Lead City University will host this year’s conference. That’s international visibility,” he said.
Speaking on the broader relevance of Operational Research, Adewoye described it as “the science of optimisation.” He explained: “Whether it’s about maximising gains, minimising costs, or improving systems, OR is about making better decisions. It’s applicable across industries and disciplines, from engineering to finance.”
He further revealed that the institute plans to organise a sensitisation workshop ahead of the conference to educate the university community about the role and benefits of OR. The workshop is expected to introduce participants to vital academic resources, grant opportunities, and curriculum materials related to OR and AI.
Adewoye also stressed the importance of expanding OR education in Nigerian universities. “Hosting this conference could inspire Lead City University to establish OR as a standalone course or in synergy with existing departments such as computer science and management. It’s a fertile ground for academic growth,” he added.
Vice Chancellor of Lead City University, Professor Kabiru Adeyemo, affirmed the university’s commitment to meaningful academic partnerships, particularly those that align with its goals of visibility and relevance. “This is a private university, and we need to maximise our impact. If an institute is coming here, what are you bringing for the students, for our faculty, and for the growth of the university?” he said.
Prof. Adeyemo, who has taught Operational Research for several years, underscored the discipline’s interdisciplinary appeal. “Operational Research is deeply relevant to computer science, management, economics, and even public administration. It trains students to think analytically and solve real-world problems.”
He further suggested that the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the conference could involve staff from multiple departments. “Accounting, marketing, business administration, and economics students all offer OR as a course. So, the LOC should reflect that diversity,” he recommended.
Reflecting on the university’s experience in hosting major academic events, Adeyemo said, “We’ve collaborated with several institutes and professional bodies over the years. These conferences don’t just elevate our profile—they enrich the academic experience of our students and staff.”
He added that Lead City University is always open to collaborations that align with its development objectives. “Our next level is feasibility. Any initiative that gives us visibility and value will always find support here,” the Vice Chancellor said.
Members of the university’s team preparing for the event include Registrar Dr. Oyebola Ayeni, Bursar, and the Local Organising Committee led by Dr. Wilson Sakpere of the Department of Computer Science. Other key academic figures involved are Prof. Olatunde Yara of Mathematics and Prof. Adebo Babatunde, Head of the Physics Department.
The IORMS 2025 conference is expected to set new standards in the application of operational research and AI for national planning and economic transformation, with Lead City University poised as a strategic partner in shaping that conversation.
