Get Guardian on GoogleKolaDaisi University, Ibadan, Oyo State, has unveiled plans to deepen its research culture, strengthen industry partnerships and promote the development of innovations with practical applications as it enters its second decade.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olajumoke Morenikeji, said the institution would prioritise multidisciplinary research, improve access to research funding, expand collaborations with credible institutions and industries, and strengthen intellectual property development.
She spoke at the research and exhibition programme organised as part of activities marking the university’s 10th anniversary and sixth convocation ceremony.
The VC, joined by other principal officers of the institution, inspected various works and innovations of the researchers and scholars.
Morenikeji said the exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase the intellectual contributions of the university’s academic community and demonstrate how research could generate solutions to societal challenges.
She noted that universities must go beyond teaching existing knowledge to encourage inquiry, challenge assumptions, generate new ideas and translate research findings into practical solutions.
Highlighting some of the institution’s research achievements, the Vice-Chancellor cited the work of Dr Mojisola Karigidi, whose innovation, Bioxin, a plant-based biopesticide developed from lemongrass and orange-peel extracts, had received patent recognition.
She described the innovation as an example of how scientific research could contribute to environmentally responsible solutions.
Morenikeji also highlighted the establishment of the Centre for Open Science Research in Robotics, Computing and Artificial Intelligence by Dr Mumin O. Oladipo and his team, with support from international funding.
She said the centre would strengthen interdisciplinary research and create opportunities for collaboration, innovation and the development of practical solutions.
Other research achievements she identified included the international research visit undertaken by Dr John Akanni at the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques in France and Dr Anne Adeyanju’s postdoctoral training at the University of Alicante, Spain, focusing on retinal neurodegeneration and dietary intervention.
She also acknowledged Dr Temitope Y. Bello, whose research engagement on forced displacement and indigenous farming practices in southwestern Nigeria received support through the MIASA travel grant.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, these engagements reflected the growing capacity of the university’s academic community to contribute to research beyond the institution.
On student development, Morenikeji said the university was committed to producing graduates equipped not only with academic qualifications but also with critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation and entrepreneurial skills.
She described the exhibition as a platform for students to present their ideas, demonstrate their research and receive feedback on the practical relevance of their work.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university was also strengthening the connection between academic learning, entrepreneurship and industry through partnerships, including an initiative to develop practical skills through the MSS EventTech Academy.
She urged academic staff to mentor young researchers and create opportunities for students to participate meaningfully in research, while encouraging industry partners to support the translation of promising ideas into practical solutions.
