The Durban University of Technology (DUT) celebrated the academic achievements and research excellence of Professor Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju during his Professorial Inaugural Lecture titled Energy, Efficiency and Intelligence, recently held at the DUT Hotel School Conference Centre.
Professor Olanrewaju, Head of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Interim Director of the Institute of Systems Science in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, has established himself as a leading scholar in industrial energy systems, sustainability, artificial intelligence and climate resilience. His inaugural lecture reflected on years of pioneering research aimed at developing intelligent and sustainable energy solutions for both South Africa and the global community.
Welcoming guests to the occasion, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, described Professor Olanrewaju’s work as research that not only advances scientific knowledge but also addresses pressing societal challenges.
“Your journey from electrical and industrial engineering to integrated energy modelling and artificial intelligence demonstrates that scholarship is not merely about interpreting the world, it is also about redesigning its possibilities,” said Professor Nemavhola.
He added that Professor Olanrewaju’s research serves as both “a compass pointing towards sustainability and a lantern illuminating pathways that might otherwise remain unseen.”
Professor Nemavhola further congratulated Professor Olanrewaju on attaining Full Professorship, noting that his NRF C2 rating, extensive publication record, successful supervision of postgraduate students and academic leadership are a testament to years of sustained excellence.
Introducing the inaugurand, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Professor Molusiwa Ramabodu, highlighted Professor Olanrewaju’s outstanding academic record and numerous accolades, including DUT Researcher of the Year Awards in both the Gold and Platinum categories, international Best Paper Awards, and recognition for excellence in doctoral supervision and research outputs.
He noted that Professor Olanrewaju’s contribution extends well beyond research publications through his editorial leadership on internationally recognised journals and his role in shaping scholarship in sustainable energy, climate change and environmental management.
“His leadership, scholarship and commitment to innovation contribute significantly to strengthening the Faculty’s vision of producing impactful research and developing solutions to complex engineering and societal challenges,” Professor Ramabodu said.
During his inaugural lecture, Professor Olanrewaju presented innovative research demonstrating how advanced modelling techniques and artificial intelligence can improve industrial energy efficiency, strengthen climate resilience and accelerate sustainable development, particularly within developing economies.
He reflected on his scholarly journey and introduced an integrated analytical framework that combines decomposition analysis, artificial neural networks and data envelopment analysis to overcome the limitations of traditional energy modelling approaches. Drawing on case studies from South Africa and Canada, he illustrated how these tools can identify energy-saving opportunities and support evidence-based decision-making.
Professor Olanrewaju also showcased his research on artificial intelligence-driven renewable energy systems for underserved communities across sub-Saharan Africa. The framework integrates diverse datasets, including satellite imagery and socio-technical indicators, to support intelligent energy planning, demand forecasting and the optimisation of hybrid renewable energy microgrids.
He emphasised that this research has the potential to contribute significantly to climate resilience, energy security and sustainable socio-economic development across the continent.
Delivering the closing remarks, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Vusi Gumede, congratulated Professor Olanrewaju on reaching one of the highest milestones in academia.
“This prestigious achievement of professorship is awarded to academics who demonstrate excellence in teaching, research, innovation and engagement. We wish you continued success and further knowledge generation, and we thank you for the honour that you have brought to our University,” he said.
Professor Olanrewaju’s inaugural lecture reflected DUT’s commitment to advancing impactful research that addresses global challenges while developing innovative solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Pictured: Professor Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju.
Waheeda Peters
