Professors Urge Research In Varsities To Drive Economic Growth

The vice chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Prof Ebunoluwa Oduwole, and former vice chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Idowu Olayinka, have called for a new direction in Nigerian university research, stressing that academic studies must address national development challenges and drive economic transformation.

The submission was made during the 4th Biennial International Conference of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Ajayi Crowther University, themed “Frontiers in Science and Technology: Innovations for Sustainable Development in a Dynamic World.”

Delivering the keynote address, Prof Olayinka challenged Nigerian universities to move away from research conducted solely for publications and academic recognition, insisting that research must produce practical solutions capable of improving lives, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth.

According to him, many Nigerian universities still operate in isolation from industry and societal needs, resulting in research outcomes that rarely translate into national development.

“For too long, universities have celebrated research that ends only in journals and conference proceedings while industries struggle and the nation imports solutions that could have been developed locally,” he stated.

Olayinka argued that universities should function as centres of innovation and entrepreneurship, with structures such as intellectual property policies, technology transfer offices, and university spin-off companies that can commercialise research findings.

He further warned that weak connections between universities and national priorities continue to limit the impact of academic research on Nigeria’s development.

Representing Oduwole at the opening ceremony, the deputy vice chancellor (Academics), Prof Afolake Olanbiwonninu, emphasised the need for collaboration and idea-sharing capable of shaping the future of science and technology.

Oduwole thanked the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof Roland Isibor and his team for organising the conference, describing the keynote address as a timely challenge to the Nigerian academic community.

She described Prof Olayinka as “an academic juggernaut and mentor to many scholars,” while endorsing his call for universities to embrace research that promotes economic growth, job creation, innovation, and societal transformation.

Oduwole also stressed that research findings should not remain confined to conference halls and academic publications but must translate into practical solutions through collaboration with industries and government agencies.