During the Multi-disciplinary International Conference at Wesley University in Ondo, Professor Kolawole Olaiya from Anderson University in South Carolina, USA, underscored the mismanagement and underutilization of natural and human resources as major barriers to development in Nigeria.

He stated that the mismanagement of natural resources impacts the nation's growth, security, and human capital, resulting in the migration of thousands of skilled workers and doctors which in turn stifles creativity and innovation within the country.

According to Professor Kolawole, Nollywood serves as a means of fostering sustainable development in the country, citing its role in promoting Nigerian culture and generating employment opportunities for many Nigerians in Nigeria and the diaspora. He suggests that Nollywood is an important tool that can be used to achieve sustainable development in Nigeria.

Speaking at the International Conference, Professor Iyiola Oni from the University of Lagos emphasized that access to resources, employment and environmental conservation will significantly contribute to sustainable development.

In his remarks, Dr. Samuel Amponsah, Doctor of Education at the University of Ghana, pointed out that Africa's over-reliance on external actors has resulted in successive generations inheriting debts. This focus on debt repayment has diverted attention from investing in critical sectors of development, such as education and health.

He added that capacity building, integrating and adopting technology in education, leveraging indigenous knowledge, promoting import substitution, and incorporating new scientific advancements are viable pathways toward achieving effective sustainable development in Africa.

In his remarks, Prof. Sunday Obeka, the Vice Chancellor of the University, emphasized the importance of adopting sound education and skills by all individuals.