INDUSTRY EXPERTS, SCHOLARS, OTHERS GATHER TO CELEBRATE 2025 UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FAIR IN OSUN
The spirit of innovation was on full display as researchers, scholars, students and industry experts gathered for the 2025 University Research Fair, to showcase pioneering research projects and solution-driven ideas across diverse fields of study.
The fair held on Wednesday at the Oduduwa Basement at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, was one of the gathering of relevant heads in the academia, business world among others.
The event also served as a platform for researchers from various disciplines within the university to share their findings, exchange ideas and collaborate on future projects.
The keynote speaker at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Osun State, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, while delivering his address, titled “Research Commercialisation in Nigeria: Mainstreaming Universities and Industries Collaboration for National Development”, he emphasised the significance of research as it strikes at the very heart of our nation’s quest for sustainable growth, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.
According to him, “in today’s rapidly evolving world, innovation is no longer optional, it is essential. Nigeria boasts a wealth of intellectual capital. Our universities have vibrant ecosystems, generating countless research papers, innovative concepts, and potentially transformative technologies annually”.
“Globally, nations that have surged ahead technologically and economically are those that have successfully integrated Government, their knowledge producers (Universities) with their value creators (Industries).
“The future of Commerce and Industry in Nigeria will therefore depend on our ability to collaborate, research, and build scalable, locally relevant solutions to global challenges. Research institutions such as Obafemi Awolowo University are at the heart of this transformation, from Agriculture to Artificial Intelligence, from Biotechnology to Business development, the fusion of disciplines is leading to breakthroughs that can fuel economic growth, job creation, and national prosperity. Collaborations between the Government, universities and industries are pivotal for national development”.
“As a State, we have developed an Industrial Development Policy Document in collaboration with Osun State University, which is a reflection of the State Government’s drive towards strengthening the State economy, enhancement of economic transformation strategies, wealth creation and poverty reduction. This document was designed as a Triple Helix Model which is a collaboration between the Government, Industrial Stakeholders and the Academia”.
“The State Government is also working on several other Industrial initiatives which need the collaboration of the Academia and Industries, these initiatives are expected to boost the State’s economy and turn the State to the most preferred destination for investments in Nigeria.”
“We want Osun to be a hub of Commercial, Industrial and Economic activities in South Western Nigeria and beyond. We are hopeful of successful collaborations between the Government, Academia and Industries, which will open up the industrial and business landscape of Osun and many investments will spring up in the State with multiplier effects”.
“In conclusion, the commercialisation of research in Nigeria requires effective collaboration between Government, Universities and Industries. Let us unlock the immense potential trapped within our research labs and empower it to drive Nigeria’s development. I urge all stakeholders to use this opportunity and work towards building a brighter future for our nation”, the Commissioner said.
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