The Vice-Chancellor of Dominion University, Ibadan, Professor Abel Olajide Olorunnisola, has stated the institution’s commitment to strengthening students’ practical learning by promoting internship opportunities and expanding collaboration with the Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES).

Olorunnisola spoke while receiving an Oyo NES delegation led by its Acting Chairman, Professor Oluwakemi Bolaji Okuwa, during a courtesy visit to the university.

The Vice-Chancellor said practical industry exposure remains an essential component of university education, stressing that students should be encouraged to acquire workplace experience alongside classroom learning.

“We encourage our students to go for internships and ensure that those at the 200 and 300 levels have field experience. We will be partners in progress and work together to make this department more viable,” he said.

He noted that closer collaboration between the Dominion University and the professional body would enhance students’ employability, expose them to current industry practices and strengthen academic excellence.

Speaking earlier, Okuwa said the visit was aimed at deepening institutional collaboration in areas of student development, research, professional induction and capacity building.

Okuwa disclosed that members of the Economics Department would enjoy rebates on membership and participation in the society’s activities, adding that the initiative was designed to encourage greater involvement of students and academics in professional economic discourse.

According to her, the partnership would also focus on collaborative research, induction of students into the profession and participation in the society’s forthcoming conference.

“We are committed to working together for the advancement of Economics students through stronger collaboration and professional engagement,” she said.

Members of the Vice-Chancellor’s management team present at the meeting included a member of the university’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Jonah Akoun; the Bursar, Mr. Olanrewaju Somefun; the Principal Academic Planning Officer, Dr. S.O. Agboola; the Assistant Registrar, Mr. T.S. Abodunrin; and the Admissions Officer, Mr. Bamigboye.

Other members of the Oyo NES delegation were the Financial Secretary, Dr. Florence Oyebamiji; the Public Relations Officer; and Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Dr. Samuel Ochinyabo.

Both organisations expressed optimism that the collaboration would promote practical learning, research excellence and professional development for students, while fostering stronger links between academia and the economics profession.