Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, has hosted the Sixth International Financial Research Conference of the Nigerian Society for Financial Research, drawing more than 100 researchers, policymakers, financial experts, regulators and industry leaders from Nigeria and beyond.

The three day event, held at the Twin Hall Lecture Theatre of the Faculty of Social Sciences, centred on the theme "Financial Innovation, Real Sector Performance, and Sustainable Development in Developing Economies: Issues, Challenges and Prospects," examining how digital finance, financial technology and institutional reforms could strengthen national economies.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor J.A. Oloyede, explained that the conference was designed to bridge the gap between academic research and public policy, encouraging solution oriented work capable of addressing developmental challenges. He disclosed that more than 80 peer reviewed papers were presented by academics, professionals and Nigerian scholars in the diaspora, covering financial sector reforms, digital transformation, economic governance and financial inclusion. He added that recommendations from the conference would be forwarded to government agencies and financial institutions to support policy formulation.

Declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, reaffirmed the Institution's commitment to research that delivers practical solutions to societal and national challenges. He argued that universities must evolve into centres of innovation where economic research and technological advancement directly support sustainable development.

Professor Ayodele also acknowledged the Governor of Ekiti State and Visitor to the University, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, crediting state government investment in infrastructure with strengthening the University's competitiveness.

In his welcome address, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Dr Ayodeji Awolaja, highlighted the need for stronger partnerships among universities, government and the private sector to produce innovative policy responses.

The event also featured the investiture of Professor Ayodele as a Patron of the Nigerian Society for Financial Research, while His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon, the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, received the Society's Award of Excellence for contributions to educational advancement.

Notable attendees included the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Professor T.M. Obamuyi; the Vice Chancellor of Jimoh Babalola University, Ilorin, Professor M.A. Ijaya; former Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Professor O.V. Adeoluwa; and officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The conference closed with a gala dinner focused on future collaborative research and policy engagement.