Dr. Bolanle Simeon-Fayomi

What does sustainable work and research mean to you?

In my view, sustainable work and research is in three different realms, the realms of the past, present and the future. First, there is the realm of the past. Many ideas and ideals have been developed in the past by meritorious researchers in all fields of life. All they have done in the past have been the reason for our existence and sustainability. It is pertinent to note these past works and essentially develop on them for this present time. That is sustainable work. In this present realm, it means scientific efforts geared towards making life better in our world. It will also signify sustainable practical ways of helping people learn, unlearn and relearn in their own realities and to live reasonable well in their different societies and world. This is the summation of the SDG goals. All efforts are geared towards giving our society and world a future. A future free of wars, diseases, mental and psychological issues is the essential result that must be achieved. Sustainable work and research is whatever gives us answers towards a better future for human generations to come. Then life is sustained on the basis of researches and efforts of the past and our present.

In your opinion, what needs to be done to make the world more peaceful?

I think the world will be more peaceful if definite laws against war are enacted. The laws should promote ongoing dialogues, conversations and compromises with full insistence should be encouraged. Terrorist apart from being outlaw by many countries as it is now; it should also not be the fight of one nation. Even when there is political unwillingness to fight terrorism from the country’s government, UN should promulgate international laws that fight terrorism wherever they exist. This is because terrorism in any corner of the world affects the whole world. Such effect is seen in level migration, food security, life security etc.

How do you plan to share the results of the forum in a lasting way?

I intend to actively engage my students in dialogues on the perspectives and presentations that will be made accessible at the forum. I also plan to have a relational focus group discussion among my colleagues raising the issue of ‘change’ in our academic institution.

Which animal would you consider the better human?

A dog. My father owned two huge Alsatian dogs. During an attack on his life which was set up by his personal chauffeur, one of them jumped at the shooter and was shot dead. The other laid flat on my father with barred teeth, covering him with is body, growling at the criminals. They left without touching my father. I think these humans are dissuaded by the commitment and loyalty of the dogs.