Prof. Ikuomola, a professor of Computer Science and Cyber Security, made the call while delivering the 12th Inaugural Lecture of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, on Wednesday, 20th May 2026.

The lecture was titled: “The Vigilant Watchman and the Serpent’s Wisdom: Artificial Intelligence, Ethical Hacking and the Future of Proactive Cyber Defense.”

According to the Dean of the School of Computing, a comprehensive approach will enhance compliance, improve national cyber resilience, and encourage responsible digital practices across the country.

She harped on the need for continuous public awareness and digital literacy to equip citizens, especially youths, with the knowledge to identify and avoid cyber threats. Prof. Ikuomola argued that technology alone cannot solve the problem without corresponding legal and ethical safeguards.

“Cyber threats are evolving faster than our responses. We need policies that are adaptive, laws that are enforceable, and a culture that prioritizes cybersecurity at every level,” she stated.

The scholar also advocated for the institutionalization of ethical hacking and the deployment of Artificial Intelligence for early threat detection and proactive defense, noting that Nigeria must move from reactive to preventive cyber security strategies.

In his remarks, OAUSTECH's Vice-Chancellor, Prof Temi Ologunorisa, commended Ikuomola for the well-delivered lecture, stating that she has in the last twenty five years done extensive work on cyber security, hacking and defense among others, emphasizing that her work would go a long way in preventing frauds in banking, education, administration and a host of others.

The fourth Substantive Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH therefore called on the government to continue to fund research, stressing that no country can develop beyond the level of its universities and that funding research would open up development, economic growth and improvement in the quality of life of the citizenry.

The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, the Kalasuwe of Apoi, Oba Sunday Amuseghan, the Ahaba of Ajagba, Oba Thomas Adesayo, the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo were among the dignitaries that graced the event.

The lecture drew also participants from academia, industry, government agencies, religious leaders, family and friends, and the student community.

Source:

Directorate of Information, Protocol and Public Relations (DIPPR),

OAUSTECH