Professor Olayinka Awopetu, a leading scholar of Applied ManufactTech revolution,uring Technology, Machine Tools, and Cutting Tools at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has said Africa is uniquely positioned to take a leading role in the next wave of global technological advancement.
Delivering FUTA’s 184th inaugural lecture on August 26, 2025, titled “Metal Cutting and Theory of Chip Formation: The History of a Science without History,” Awopetu stressed that the continent has the vision, resilience, and innovative spirit to reshape global narratives if its leaders commit to investing in infrastructure, policy support, and education reform.
Tracing the history of metal cutting, he noted that the practice dates back 600,000–1,000,000 years in Tanganyika—modern-day Tanzania—demonstrating that Africa once led the world in technological innovation. “Africa can accelerate its trajectory once again with the right structures in place,” he said.
Awopetu, who has pioneered research in advanced manufacturing, described metal cutting as the backbone of modern industry, enabling the production of consumer goods, automobiles, medical implants, power turbines, and aerospace components. “Metal cutting provides the precision, flexibility, and productivity needed to meet modern engineering demands. It remains an irreplaceable process in the production of high-quality, high-performance products,” he explained.
He further highlighted how advancements such as high-speed cutting tools, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, and automation have revolutionized global manufacturing—boosting efficiency, reducing waste, and cutting costs. These breakthroughs, he added, present opportunities for Africa to leapfrog into global relevance if embraced strategically.
Commending his lecture, FUTA Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, lauded Awopetu as a productive scholar whose work has significantly advanced his field and strengthened the university’s reputation.
