The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has emphasised that the stability and progress of society depend on the strength of the tripod formed by research, innovation, and development.
He stated this during the opening ceremony of the university’s research development fair, tagged “UI-Town Connect 2025.”
Describing the theme of the event, “Research, Innovation and Development: A Tripod for Meeting Societal Needs”, as timely, Adebowale said the metaphor captures the interdependence of the three pillars.
According to him, research forms the foundation, innovation translates ideas into solutions, and development drives economic growth, reduces social inequalities, and improves human life.
He stressed that research efforts are incomplete until they extend beyond academic walls to positively impact communities and the nation.
The fair, he noted, is designed to strengthen this connection as part of activities marking the university’s 77th Foundation Day and 2025 Convocation ceremonies.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships), Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose (SAN), stated that the fair offers a platform for scholars, investors, and policymakers to collaborate and translate research findings into practical solutions.
She reiterated that research must lead to innovation and innovation must result in development, if societal challenges are to be effectively addressed.
Oluyemisi Iranloye, Chairperson of the fair and CEO of Psaltry International, cited her company’s establishment of Africa’s first cassava-based sorbitol factory as proof of the power of the RID model.
The breakthrough, she said, enabled Nigeria to locally produce sorbitol, previously imported and used in toothpaste manufacturing, through research-driven innovation and industrial development.
In his keynote address, Managing Director of Aradel Holdings, Engineer Adegbite Falade, said the nation must prioritise impactful research that translates into productivity.
He noted that “a patent that powers a factory contributes more to national growth than a dozen journal citations.”
Falade identified funding gaps, weak intellectual property frameworks, and a lack of prototyping facilities as key challenges and recommended five strategic reforms, including a National Innovation Fund and the creation of research-industry clusters around universities.
Also speaking, Director-General of DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, represented by Dr. Adesoji Farayibi, stressed the need for incubators, technology transfer offices, and a supportive policy environment to move innovations from laboratories to the market.
He urged universities to encourage interdisciplinary research, reward innovation, and take risks that lead to long-term societal benefits.
The Special Guest of Honour, Director of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Nigeria Office, Dr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, described intellectual property as the engine driving innovation.
He noted that protecting the interests of creators is fundamental to commercialising research outputs and sustaining innovation ecosystems.
Earlier, Chairman of the UI Research & Development Committee, Professor Andrew Fadoju, said the fair aims to foster collaboration, showcase innovation and unlock new opportunities for advancement.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the Gen-Z Hackathon 2.0 Grand Finale, featuring five finalist teams pitching innovative ideas.
The top three teams received cash prizes. The two-day event also features an exhibition showcasing groundbreaking research and technological solutions.
