The Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka has on Tuesday said that research should be focused on meeting societal needs and not just for academic exercise.
Professor Olayinka disclosed this at the 2019 edition of the University of Ibadan Research and Development Fair (UIRESDEV) aptly tagged UI-TOWN CONNECT 2019 with the theme “Societal Need-Driven Research for National Development” held between 5th – 6th November, 2019 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor who was ably represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnership, Professor Olanike Kudirat Adeyemo appreciate all the special guests for their availability while he lauded UIRESDEV team for bringing in students from various schools to enable them to aspire to be great and equip themselves for the innovative world.
He stated that research should be focused on meeting societal needs and not just an academic exercise.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Adewale Raji, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, O’dua Investment Company Limited, in his paper presentation identified creative innovation and skillful manpower as keys to running a sustainable and profitable business organization.
“Innovation serves as a decisive factor for value creation, growth, employment and lead to enhance competitiveness among existing companies, hence, relevant researches are important to planning for immediate and future needs” Mr. Adewale said.
He also noted that a system approach to improving education delivery that is responsive to labour market demand would be relevant to increasing labour productivity and enhance economic growth.
Mr. Adewale however advised the government to play major role in strengthening the link between industry and Academic institutions and also invest in human capital in order to get desired productivity from the next generation of workers.
Meanwhile, in his own remarks, one of the special guests of honour, Professor of Philosophy, University of Lagos and President Philosophers Association of Nigeria, Professor Jim Unah admonished the Association to include teaching of character to their preparation of youths in the University for Innovation and creativity.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman, UIRESDEV committee, Prof. Francis Offor affirmed that the fair is aimed at bringing together world class academics, researchers, businessmen to collaborate on harnessing the various researches and innovative efforts for overall societal transformation.
Prof. Offor however appreciate the Vice Chancellor and all special guests for their supports and the success of the year 2019 UIRESDEV fair.