Stakeholders Harp On Research, Partnerships For National Development

Stakeholders have called for innovations and partnerships to optimise research output to achieve national development.

The stakeholders called during the University of Ibadan Research and Development (UIRESDEV) Fair 2024 tagged ‘UI-Town Connect 2024’, with the theme: “Re-focusing Research and Innovation towards scaling-up Nigerian Brands for Commercial Value’’.

In their speeches at the occasion, the director-general (DG) of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dr Seye Oyeleye, vice chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Kayode Adebowale, former chief executive officer of Bank of Industry (BOI), Pastor Olukayode Pitan, and others harped on the need to reinvigorate efforts towards nation development.

The vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Peter Olapegba, who was represented by the deputy vice-chancellor (Administration), emphasised the importance of turning research into innovations that would result in national development.

He maintained that industry players and all stakeholders must collaborate to achieve the optimum reward for research efforts.

In her speech, UI deputy vice-chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships (RISP) Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose said that through research, Nigerian universities could create brands and provide solutions to problems plaguing the country.

Bamgbose, a Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), said the UIRESDEV fair committee was entrusted with the mandate of aligning town and gown for revolutionary national development by developing ways of integrating the university’s vocabulary into the town’s daily life.

According to her, research is critical in scaling up the Nigerian brand’s commercial value.

Also speaking, Oyeleye of the DAWN Commission said that by refocusing research efforts, fostering innovation ecosystems, and building strategic partnerships, stakeholders could better support Nigerian brands in realising their full potential.