The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has declared that the university is not just a citadel of learning, but also a reservoir of solutions, playing a leading role in proffering solutions to societal challenges through research, innovation, and collaboration.
He made this declaration at the opening of the University-Industry Conference organised by the university’s Research Development Committee (UI-RESDEV) with the support of its postgraduate school in collaboration with the DAWN Commission.
He stated that across the University’s faculties, from Agriculture, tackling food security to Pharmaceutical Sciences developing new drugs; to Technology, engineering new systems, to the Social Sciences, proffering policies for good governance, and other fields undertaking research to benefit humanity, the institution’s researchers are daily engaged in works that hold immense potential for the nation.
While he applauded the theme of the conference, “Research, Innovation and Development: A Tripod for Meeting Societal Needs,” the Vice Chancellor defined research as the rigorous, systematic pursuit of new knowledge within laboratories, libraries, and fields.
He described innovation as the process of translating that knowledge into novel solutions, products, processes, and services, the practical application of which leads to development, the tangible outcome that improves the quality of life, drives economic growth, and addresses pressing societal challenges.
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Professor Adebowale observed that the three terms: research, innovation, and development, have often operated on parallel lines leading to a significant gap between the ground-breaking research conducted within the University and the transformative development seen in industries and communities.
He stressed the urgent need to bridge this gap, emphasizing that closer collaboration and strategic partnerships are essential to ensure that academic discoveries translate into tangible societal impact saying that UI is open for business, partnership and collaborations.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships (RISP), Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose SAN, in her welcome address which was delivered by the DVC, RISP designate, Professor Simisola O. Akintola said that research and innovation should not be confined to academic journals and laboratories.
According to her, through collaboration with industry, government, and civil society, it is possible to ensure that work in academia creates real-world impact, addresses market needs, and drives sustainable development.
The Provost of the UI Postgraduate School, Professor A.S.O. Ogunjuyigbe explained the objectives of the conference, highlighted the expected outcomes, and disclosed that multidisciplinary research activities in UI are pivotal to the achievement of industrial growth.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. (Dr) Jani Ibrahim, in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Dr Taiye O. Williams, CEO Lubcon Africa, remarked that UI has been the sanctuary of inquiry and discovery while the industry has been the engine of application and productivity.
He, however, stated that true progress lies where their paths intersect adding that through collaborations, the academia can gain access to real-world problems, data, and resources while the industry gains access to cutting-edge research, fresh talent, and new technologies.
The keynote speaker added that the future the nation seeks will not emerge by chance but will be designed through deliberate collaboration and commitment to break the silos that separate learning from labour, research from revenue, and innovation from implementation.
The Director General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, (DAWN) Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, in his goodwill message, remarked that the synergy between the academia and industry has not been sufficiently institutionalized, and as a result, research outcomes do not fully translate into practical application or tangible societal impact.
He emphasized the need to intensify efforts in strengthening the interface between knowledge creators and knowledge users as such a partnership is a vital driver of knowledge transfer, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
Dr Oyeleye noted that when universities and industries collaborate effectively, both sides benefit, the universities gaining practical exposure and funding opportunities, while industries access cutting-edge research, skilled talent, and innovation solutions that boost productivity and competitiveness.
The DG commended the University of Ibadan for its visionary leadership and expressed optimism that the engagement would chart new pathways for research that respond directly to societal needs and promote regional growth.
