The 12th and immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, has emphasised the importance of commercialising research outputs from Nigerian universities to ensure societal impact and sustainable development.
Professor Olayinka made the call while speaking as the lead discussant at the Town-Gown Discourse during the University’s Research Development Fair, themed “UI-Town Connect 2025.”
He explained that the establishment of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships (RISP), during his tenure, was a strategic response to the need for commercialisation of research findings and innovations generated within the university.
“The University of Ibadan is at the forefront of connecting the gown to town through the office of the DVC RISP,” he said, stressing that “research findings should not be left to gather dust on shelves but must be connected to industry players who can leverage them for societal benefit.”
The former Vice-Chancellor revealed that the university’s Postgraduate College had inaugurated a committee to review doctoral theses and identify those with potential for commercialisation.
He maintained that a university’s relevance lies in how much of its research output translates into practical solutions for society.
Professor Olayinka also urged government support through scholarships, funding opportunities, and incentives to enable doctoral students focus on research rather than combine academic work with other economic activities.
Chairing the discourse, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RISP), Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose (SAN), said the forum was designed to foster collaboration between researchers and industry experts.
She described the fair’s theme, “Research, Innovation and Development: A Tripod for Meeting Societal Needs,” as crucial to the university’s mandate and urged early-career researchers to pursue quality, impactful research capable of generating income.
Also speaking, the Director of the UI Centre for Intellectual Property Protection and Commercialisation (CIPPaC), Professor T.O. Okareh, said the university had established a clear framework for intellectual property protection.
He explained that CIPPaC supports researchers in patenting and commercializing their innovations, noting that only research that meets specific standards qualifies for commercialization.
Professor Okareh cautioned academics against conducting research solely for career advancement, advising them to focus on solving real-world problems.
In her contribution, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Oluropo Oke, highlighted the commission’s roles in copyright administration, enforcement, and enlightenment.
She expressed the agency’s readiness to partner with the university to protect intellectual property and promote research-driven societal progress.
A lively question-and-answer session followed, where researchers and industry representatives discussed issues relating to policy, collaboration, and research utilisation.
Industry participants at the discourse included representatives of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Westlink Integrated Agriculture Limited, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti branches), and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (Nigeria Office).
The two-day fair also featured exhibitions by UI Faculties, Centres, Institutes, and external organizations, showcasing innovative research and development projects.
