The University of Ilorin has unveiled plans to establish a Science, Technology and Innovation Park as part of efforts targeted at enhancing research impact and strengthening collaboration among the academia, government, and industry.
This initiative was disclosed last Friday (March 28, 2026) at the University Congregation convened to outline the next steps in positioning the University as a globally competitive institution, with emphasis on translating research outputs into practical societal solutions.
Speaking at the meeting, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, noted that the proposed Park is designed to bridge the existing gap between academic research and industrial application, stressing that universities can only attain global relevance when their research directly impacts society.
He observed that the current disconnect between academia and industry has limited the practical utilisation of research findings, as both sectors often operate independently without sufficient collaboration.
To address this challenge, Prof. Egbewole said that the University has embarked on strategic engagements with industry stakeholders, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), to attract investments and encourage the establishment of industrial facilities within the campus.
“Our recent international visits, including a study tour to Brazil, exposed the management to functional models where industries operate within university environments, fostering innovation and practical learning”, he said.
Commending internal efforts, the Vice Chancellor appreciated the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Olaoye, for promptly developing a concept proposal for the initiative, which has already been submitted to the NNPC, followed by further engagements with the company’s technical and innovation teams.
A Visiting Professor from Ethiopia, Prof. Daniel Kitaw, also provided expert insights to support the initiative, reinforcing the feasibility and global relevance of the proposed Innovation Park.
The University expressed optimism that the project would mark a significant step towards breaking institutional silos and promoting a collaborative ecosystem capable of driving national development.