The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has stated that the institution is committed to addressing real-world problems through rigorous research and innovation.

Specifically, the institution reaffirmed its vision to serve as a hub for research-driven development in Nigeria.

Prof. Peters stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at the NOUN Maiden Research Week.

Speaking on the theme ‘Advancing Research Innovation and Knowledge Sharing for Sustainable Development’, Peters said that research must translate into tangible solutions that address the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria and Africa at large.

He noted that universities have a duty to serve as catalysts for progress, working closely with government and industry to provide evidence-based policies and innovations.

He explained that the Research Week was designed to bring together academics, policymakers, students, and industry stakeholders to share ideas, collaborate, and showcase findings that can impact society positively. According to him, this initiative underscores NOUN’s dedication to fostering a culture of inquiry, creativity, and practical problem-solving.

The Vice-Chancellor further highlighted the university’s unique position as the country’s pioneer open and distance learning institution, noting that its flexible model of education provides opportunities for diverse participation in research activities. He maintained that this inclusiveness enriches the scope and quality of research, ensuring that outcomes are relevant to different sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The V-C assured that NOUN would continue to strengthen its research capacity, build international partnerships, and mentor young scholars to contribute to national development.

He stated that by making the Directorate of Research Administration a standalone department, it is now poised for peak performance. He noted that staff members are conducting pioneering research, highlighting that a staff member recently had two patents registered.

In his keynote address, Prof. Ibrahim Katampe, Director, Centre of Excellence for Emerging Technologies (CEET), Central State University, United States, underscored the importance of building strong linkages between academia, industry, and government in order to accelerate national development. He noted that research should not end on the shelves of universities but must be translated into viable technologies, products, and policies that improve the quality of life for citizens.

Prof. Katampe emphasised that Nigeria has enormous human capital and natural resources that, if properly harnessed through research and innovation, could position the country as a global leader in emerging technologies. He urged Nigerian institutions to leverage collaborations with international partners, adopt interdisciplinary approaches, and focus on solving context-specific problems such as food security, renewable energy, healthcare delivery, and digital transformation.

Katampe concluded by challenging participants to think beyond academic publications and to prioritise the commercialisation of research outputs. He stressed that sustainable development can only be achieved when research outcomes are scaled, adopted by industries, and aligned with national priorities.

On his part, the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono commended NOUN for organising the maiden Research Week, describing it as a bold step towards creating a culture of knowledge sharing and innovation.

According to him, open and distance learning institutions such as NOUN have a unique advantage in democratizing access to knowledge and involving a wider spectrum of people in research, particularly those who may not have had opportunities in conventional settings.

Earlier, the Director, Directorate of Research Administration, Prof. Sam Ayodele, said the event is a testament to the university’s commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and building strategic partnerships that contribute to local development and enhance global competitiveness.

The programme also witnessed the unveiling of research output report (2021 to 2024), information handbook for academic staff and researchers, as well as the presentation of awards to the best researchers in the institution.