DAWN Commission, UI, others seek partnerships for developement
The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, University of Ibadan (UI), Bank of Industry (BOI) and others have called for innovations and partnerships that make use of research output to develop Nigeria.
The stakeholders made the call during the UI Research and Development (UIRESDEV) Fair 2024 tagged ‘UI-Town Connect 2024’, with theme: ‘’Re-focusing Research and Innovation towards Scaling-up Nigerian Brands for Commercial Value’’.
Director-General of DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye said by re-focusing research efforts, fostering innovation ecosystems and building strategic partnerships, stakeholders could better support Nigerian brands in realising their full potential.
He said DAWN Commission collaboration with UI Research and Development unit wad to technically simplify nexus between town and gown and at the same time disrupt the much-perceived dichotomy that exist between university researcher and development practitioners that was said to be exacerbating convergence for elite consensus in developing our society.
He stated that the journey from research to marketplace readiness is not an easy one.
‘’We must ensure that research and development are not just academic pursuits, but engines that fuel the growth of local brands’’.
‘’Today’s discussion is a call to action for researchers, entrepreneurs, government bodies, and private sector players alike. It’s time to break down the silos that separate research from commercialization, to bridge the gap between ideation and market impact.
“Together, let us create a culture where research thrives and innovation becomes the bedrock of Nigerian brands. I urge you all to make the best out of this partnership to connect, network and collaborate to foster further development beyond these two days for sustainable development’’.
Vice Chancellor of UI, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peter Olapegba, emphasised importance of turning research into innovations that would result in national development.
He maintained industry players and all stakeholders must collaborate for optimum reward on research efforts.
UI Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships (RISP), Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose, said 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 vocabulary of the university into the daily life of the town.
According to her, research is the key instrument in the journey towards scaling-up Nigerian brands commercial value.
“Through research, Nigerian brands have the power to create novelties, innovate and expand the economic horizons of our dear country. We must cultivate strong partnerships with private and public sector entities, build connections with global research institutions, and engage policymakers to create a climate that encourages innovation and growth’’.
While presenting his paper, former BOI Cheif Executive Officer, Pastor Olukayode Pitan stated that there must be a mutual handshake between the gown and the town for all-encompassing progress, saying partnership was pivotal in achieving the expected result from research done in universities.
He reiterated that UI must take the driver’s seat in ensuring partnerships between universities and the industry.
In his remarks, the UIRESDEV Fair Committee, Prof. Andrew Fadoju said the university hoped that the lofty objective of strengthening the gown-and-town collaboration would be realised soon.
