The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale has advocated ‘functional partnerships’ between government ministries and universities in order to proffer solutions to problems of natural resources.
Prof. Adebowale, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, DVC, (Administration) Professor Peter Olapegba, made the call while receiving the organisers of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources’ maiden International Conference on a courtesy visit.
Professor Olapegba called for a relationship between government ministries and the academia such that gives the ministries direct access to researchers in universities, noting that researchers have the wealth of experience that industry players could harness to solve problems, instead of engaging foreign consultants or consultants outside universities.
Research and collaborations
The DVC revealed that the academia has massive potential, and advised researchers not to work in silos but to reach out and make a positive impact on the outside world, asserting that the University of Ibadan is performing well in terms of research and collaborations, which could be of tremendous gain to ministries and industry experts.
He commended the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources for gaining tremendous traction and attracting visibility to the university, as evidenced by the international conference.
Professor Olapegba said that the university is proud of the faculty and encouraged it to keep the standard high always and continue in the tradition of the international conference.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Siyanbola Omitoyin, had earlier stated that the conference tagged “RENEWED 2025” with the theme: “Renewable Natural Resources Management and Use: A Path to Sustainable Development” was hybrid in nature and participants were drawn from countries across Africa.
Lateefah Ibrahim