The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Peter O. Olapegba, has announced that the institution is set to leverage the commercialisation of its numerous innovation, research products, and intellectual properties for national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, during a courtesy visit by a team from Innovate UK Business Connect, Professor Olapegba highlighted the university’s commitment to transforming research outcomes into viable products and services.
He emphasised that UI’s track record in academic research and innovation makes it a prime institution for collaboration in Nigeria.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor revealed that the nation’s premier university has established a committee to oversee the commercialisation of patents and intellectual properties developed by its experts and researchers across various departments and faculties.
This committee, he explained, would facilitate partnerships with businesses and research funders to drive innovation and expand the impact of research findings.
Olapegba acknowledged that despite financial challenges, UI has continued to uphold a culture of excellence in teaching and research over its 76-year history.
He reaffirmed the institution’s readiness to collaborate with Innovate UK Business Connect to enhance the commercialisation of its research products and foster more strategic and high-quality research initiatives.
In response, the leader of the visiting team, Dr Joanna Scales, accompanied by Dr Pedro Carvalho, outlined the role of Innovate UK in supporting universities, business development, and the commercialisation of academic research.
She explained that Innovate UK is a UK government-funded organisation dedicated to promoting research and innovation both locally and internationally.
Dr Scales also announced an upcoming programme titled “The Climate-Smart Agricultural Partnership,” which will involve collaboration between the UK, Brazil, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The initiative, valued at £40 million, aims to advance climate-smart agricultural technologies and improve food production in Ghana and Nigeria.
The programme will focus on the cocoa value chain, oil palm, cassava, pest and disease management, soil fertility, agroforestry, and goat production, while fostering knowledge exchange and technological expertise among the participating countries.
She further stated that the partnership will provide funding opportunities, staff exchanges, support for travel, and commercialisation prospects for collaborative projects between universities and companies.
The visit marked a significant step in fostering international collaboration and ensuring that research outcomes from the University of Ibadan contribute meaningfully to economic growth and societal development.
