Some experts in the employment relations and human resource management have advocated for the adoption of new technological tools and innovations in order to tackle the current challenges facing the sector.
Those who spoke included a former Deputy Registrar/ Secretary to the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Dr Ikeoluwapo Moody and Dr Lola Odeyale.
The duo spoke on Friday at the annual public lecture organised by Employment Relations and Human Resource Management Students Association at the department of Sociology, University of Ibadan.
The event was attended by the Programme Coordinator, Professor Emeka Okafor and other lecturers among whom are Professor Olayinka Akanle, Dr Ayodeji Omolawal, Dr Adefolake Ademuson, Dr Chinedu Ernest Dinne, Mr Olamide Adeosun and President of the association, Temidayo Aribanusi.
Moody in her presentation advised companies and business organisations to adopt and adapt with the current technological tools in order to remain relevant in their businesses.
Moody while delivering a lecture titled “Innovative HR practices for a changing world”, said that globalisation has removed all barriers in all areas of human endeavors.
She however advised companies and business owners to adapt and adopt the current technological tools so as to remain in business.
Moody said, “Globalisation is a way to remove barriers from trade for integration, interconnectedness and interdependence. Technology, internet and social media have made trade and commerce more easier. We are no longer restricted to our nations alone, no wonder that technology has compressed the world into a global village. This is what globalisation has brought to us.
“Globalisation has made human resource dynamic. We are now in the world of global employment. So business owners need to improve human resource management. Organisations must adapt and adopt the latest technological tools and realities of you are to be relevant and remain in the business. As organisations and HR managers, you must embrace technology. AI is not going to displace anybody.
“Anyone who refuses to adopt and adapt with technology will be left out and put aside. So, we need to embrace technology if we must remain in business and cope. You must not be rigid, you must be flexible”.
Odeyale, in her presentation titled “Globalization and Cross Cultural management: Implications for HR and Employment Relations” urged employers and employees to prepare for future changes.
“You must be able to work with all categories of people. The world is changing and will continue to change. If you don’t change, you may be left. It is important that we need to prepare ourselves for the changes in life. As HR managers, we must see that we are moving along the changes in life”.
Earlier in his address, Okafor noted that the programme was introduced in the university in 1981 and has produced hundreds of people who are making positive contributions in different areas.
He said, “Dear students, I want to welcome you to this annual public lecture. This programme started in 1981 although it has undergone tremendous changes. It is now called Employment Relations and Human Resource Management. We have both academic and professional programmes. We have invited a lot of politicians, labour leaders and business tycoons to speak in this annual lecture since we started.
“The department was approved in 2024 and the parent department is Sociology.
Professor Onyenouru was the pioneer HOD and he died in 2024. So, the university is making arrangements to appoint a new HOD”.
Aribanusi in her welcome address, said that the lecture provides a unique opportunity to gain insights from seasoned professionals who have navigated these challenges firsthand.
“It is my honor to stand before you today as the President of the Students Association of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management. I am delighted to welcome you all to the 2nd Departmental Annual Lecture of our great department. First and foremost, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our distinguished guests, the Program Coordinator, whose dedication strengthens our academic journey. The Assistant Program Coordinator, whose efforts contribute significantly to our academic excellence.
“Our esteemed professors and lecturers from the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management, who relentlessly impart knowledge and wisdom. With deep respect, we also recognize the contributions of our late Head of unit, Professor Onyenouru, whose impact on this department and the field of Employment Relations remains unforgettable.
“Professors and lecturers from other departments, whose presence today demonstrates strong academic solidarity and support—we truly appreciate. Our outgoing president, for your service—thank you. Our fellow students from other departments, who have joined us today to engage in this insightful discussion—your presence adds great value to this occasion. And to my fellow students in Employment Relations and Human Resource Management, the heartbeat of this association—I warmly welcome you all.
“This lecture provides a unique opportunity to gain insights from seasoned professionals who have navigated these challenges firsthand. We are privileged to host two distinguished speakers: Dr. Ikeoluwapo Moody, retired Deputy Registrar and Secretary to the College of Medicine. Dr. Lola Odeyale, Finance and Management Consultant.
“Their expertise will illuminate the opportunities and challenges that define modern HR practices, offering us valuable perspectives to shape our careers. The event, now in its second edition, reflects our department’s dedication to fostering intellectual discourse and professional growth. We are committed to making this an enduring platform for learning and collaboration”.
