Former UI Vice-Chancellor Calls for Research-Driven Economy at ACU International Science Conference

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, has urged Nigerian universities to reposition research as a tool for economic growth, innovation, and national development rather than limiting it to academic knowledge production.

Olayinka made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference of the Faculty of Natural Sciences held at Ajayi Crowther University. The conference was themed, “Frontiers in Science and Technology: Innovations for Sustainable Development in a Dynamic World.”

The former UI Vice-Chancellor said universities in the 21st century must evolve into centres of innovation, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation capable of producing practical solutions that improve living conditions and stimulate economic transformation.

According to him, scientific research should no longer exist merely for intellectual advancement but must generate measurable social and economic impact.

“The real and legitimate goal of the sciences is the endowment of human life with new inventions and riches,” he said, stressing that universities have a responsibility to contribute directly to development through innovation-driven research.

Olayinka, who served as the 12th substantive Vice-Chancellor of UI, presented a triangular framework linking science with innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. He argued that sustainable development can only be achieved through entrepreneurial initiatives that address environmental challenges, social inclusion, and responsible economic growth.

He, however, expressed concern over the state of research in most Nigerian universities, noting the absence of coordinated research agendas and institutional frameworks that align academic work with national priorities.

He observed that many academics operate in isolated research silos, while excessive teaching workloads, consultancy engagements, and weak institutional support continue to undermine research productivity and mentorship.

“Research at most universities competes with high teaching loads and external demands such as consultancies and teaching at private institutions. This leaves little time and energy to devote to doctoral students,” Olayinka said.

He further noted that one of the major weaknesses of the university system is the poor application of research findings to societal needs and development objectives.

To address the challenges, Olayinka recommended the establishment of intellectual property policies, technology transfer offices, and research integrity units across Nigerian universities. He also advocated improved research infrastructure and new governance models capable of driving strategic and commercially viable research.

He added that universities in developed countries now operate spin-off companies that commercialise research outputs and create opportunities for entrepreneurship and industrial growth.

In a pointed remark, Olayinka challenged Nigeria to determine whether it would become a producer of innovation or remain dependent on imported finished products.

“Will Nigeria chart its own path to development across these game-changing spaces, or will it remain a dumping ground for finished products, wallowing in consumerism?” he asked.

Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, said the gathering was organised to foster collaboration among experts from different disciplines and encourage innovative solutions to global challenges.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Afolake Olanbiwonninu, the Vice-Chancellor stated that the conference would serve as a platform for intellectual exchange capable of shaping the future of science and technology.

She urged participants to engage actively and collaborate meaningfully for productive outcomes.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Roland Isibor, commended the university management for supporting the conference and described the Vice-Chancellor as a visionary leader committed to academic advancement.

He explained that the conference was designed to stimulate intellectual research, generate innovative ideas, and strengthen partnerships that promote societal development.

Also speaking, the Conference Chairman, Prof. Ebenezer Olayinka, said the conference focuses on transformative developments in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and technology.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Ayokanmi Ore, appreciated the university management and the Faculty of Natural Sciences for their commitment to research excellence and encouraged participants to build lasting professional collaborations.

The biennial conference continues to provide a platform for scientists and researchers within and outside Nigeria to explore ways of bridging the gap between academic research and national development priorities.