A Professor of Theoretical Physics at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Prof. John Abidemi Laoye, has demanded considerable attention for Nigeria’s power grid towards ensuring electricity stability in the country. The scholar noted that while corruption has been the bane of the Nigerian society, the citizens must make deliberate efforts to find home-grown solutions to the nation’s challenges.
Prof. Laoye made the submission on Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 while delivering the 124th OOU Inaugural Lecture at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Lecture Theatre, Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye. The Lecture entitled, “Simplicity Beyond Complexity: My Path Through Physics,” was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, and graced by eminent personalities within and outside the University.
The Inaugural Lecturer, who is a former Dean of Faculty of Science, analysed nonlinear dynamical systems and chaos, synchronization and control, vibrational resonance as well as complexity of the ionosphere and soil temperature and ultimately called for urgent measures to address the power grid challenges by finding new nonlinear models.
“Much attention needs to be paid to find new nonlinear models which describe real-world problems such as the Nigeria power grid which contain a lot of switching power converters. Such models will necessitate the study of their bifurcation structures and stability analysis,” the don averred.
“Stochastic resonance and vibrational resonance may be combined to realise the optimal resonance in the future to get the strongest resonance output,” he added.
Prof. Laoye posited that the nation’s power situation can only be improved if corruption is rooted out of the system.
He further said, “If we truly wish to solve the problems of our society and move our country forward, we must each take up the task of distilling our complex challenges into their simplest forms.”
“Let us commit to turning these challenges into opportunities by creating sustainable, home-grown solutions that reflect our own context and needs. The path to progress lies in finding simplicity beyond complexity –solutions that work, and work well.” Underscoring the significance of physics, Prof. Laoye explained that the subject is a universal science whose principles govern everything from the motion of planets to the operation of machines and the behaviour of subatomic particles.
The distinguished scholar said, “At the core of theoretical physics lies mathematics, the precise language we use to model, predict, and explain physical phenomena.”
“As a theoretical physicist, my research is rooted in the theoretical and computational analysis of complex physical systems, with a particular focus on uncovering the fundamental principles and mechanisms that govern their behaviour. This deep understanding is essential for meaningful prediction, control and intervention, which remains the central goals of any serious scientific investigation.”
He clarified that while experimentation remains the most direct and reliable means of acquiring objective data, it is often constrained by practical limitations such as cost, complexity, and the subjective nature of interpretation.
“This is where theoretical modelling becomes indispensable. Through mathematical frameworks and computational simulations, I explore and interpret the dynamics of systems that are otherwise difficult to probe directly.”
“Nevertheless, experiments serve as the final confirmation of theory, and my work, though grounded in theory, often seeks validation through collaborative experimental efforts. Much like two eyes are required for depth perception, theory and experiment must work together to deepen our physical understanding,” Prof. Laoye submitted while also recommending inter-disciplinary collaboration among those in physical sciences, medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and agriculture, among other disciplines.