The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) has called for a fundamental rethink of engineering philosophy, with emphasis on aligning industrial development with nature, as stakeholders gathered for its 13th Inaugural Lecture on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The lecture, titled “Let There Be Light: Engineered Systems Response for Nature and Industrial Harmony,” was delivered by Prof. Omonigho B. Otanocha, Professor of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Sustainable Production Systems. It spotlighted the need to shift from conventional production-focused engineering to sustainability-driven innovation anchored on ethics, environmental stewardship, and long-term ecological balance.

Speaking to a distinguished academic audience at Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun in Effurun, Otanocha described “light” as a metaphor for knowledge and innovation, stressing that engineering must evolve beyond technical efficiency to embrace responsibility toward nature and future generations.

He argued that true industrial progress should not oppose nature but work in harmony with it, insisting that “industry must not resist nature, but respond to it,” as he underscored the importance of sustainable engineering systems.

Otanocha further highlighted emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing, laser-based systems, and digital fabrication as key drivers of modern industrial transformation. According to him, these innovations are reducing waste, lowering energy consumption, and enabling more localized and efficient production systems.

He also emphasized industrial symbiosis—where waste from one process becomes input for another—as a practical model inspired by natural ecosystems and central to circular economy implementation.

Drawing a global comparison, the professor referenced sustainability-driven industrial frameworks across major economies, including China’s manufacturing modernization strategy, Japan’s Society 5.0 model, Germany’s Industry 4.0 and circular economy policies, Egypt’s Vision 2030, and South Africa’s structured industrial development initiatives.

He urged engineers, policymakers, and industry players to adopt a development approach that integrates technological advancement with environmental responsibility, stressing that the future of industry depends on ethical and sustainable innovation.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, commended the lecturer, describing him as a distinguished scholar whose work bridges academia, industry, and policy. He noted that the lecture went beyond theory, linking engineering innovation with practical sustainability outcomes.

Agbalagba also praised the lecturer’s research outputs, including patented innovations progressing toward commercialization, describing them as evidence of FUPRE’s commitment to impactful research.

He urged participants to apply the insights from the lecture across their fields, describing the presentation as a “call to action” for sustainable industrial development.

The event, which marked the third inaugural lecture under the current vice-chancellorship, attracted principal officers of the university, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Registrar, Bursar, University Librarian, deans, directors, staff, students, and guests from within and outside the institution.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Prof. Otanocha in recognition of his contributions to knowledge and sustainable engineering, reinforcing FUPRE’s drive toward research-led industrial transformation.