The Faculty of Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, invites the university community and the general public to its 2025 Biennial Faculty Lecture , a premier forum that bridges academic innovation and industry excellence across Africa.

This year’s lecture, titled “Innovation Without Borders: From Great Ife to the Global Stage – Rethinking African Tech, Talent, and Collaboration in the AI Age”, will be delivered by Mr. Idris Ayodeji Bello, Founding and Managing Partner, LoftyInc Capital Management.

A proud alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, where he graduated with First Class Honours in Computer Engineering, Mr. Bello has emerged as one of Africa’s foremost venture capitalists and technology ecosystem builders. Through LoftyInc Capital, he has led investments in hundreds of African startups ( including unicorns such as Andela, Flutterwave, Wave, and Moove ) while managing over $100 million across multiple funds. Recognized by CNN as one of Africa’s Top Ten Technology Voices, Mr. Bello is also credited with coining the term “Afropreneur,” symbolizing African innovators solving local challenges through technology and creativity.

His career spans leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, alongside prestigious academic credentials from Oxford University, Rice University, and the University of Houston. As a Kauffman Fellow and Singularity University Impact Fellow, Mr. Bello continues to champion the growth of Africa’s innovation economy and the next generation of Afropreneurs.

The Special Guest of Honour is Alhaji Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, Group Chief Executive Officer, Matrix Group, a seasoned metallurgical and materials engineering professional whose visionary leadership has propelled Matrix Group to prominence as one of Nigeria’s top 100 businesses. A philanthropist and humanitarian, Alhaji Aliu remains deeply committed to societal and national development.

The 2025 Faculty Lecture promises an inspiring exchange of ideas on how African innovation, research, and talent can transcend traditional boundaries in the age of artificial intelligencee affirming the Faculty’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and impact.

Event Details

Guest Lecturer: Mr. I.A. Bello (Managing Partner, Loftyinc Capital Management)

Venue: Main Hall, Africa Center of Excellence, OAK-Park, OAU, Ile-Ife

Date: Wednesday 19th November 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m. prompt