International Collaboration Key to Advancing Scientific Research, Says UI Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has emphasized that international collaboration remains critical to the advancement of modern scientific research.

He made the statement while receiving delegates from the Harbin Institute of Technology, China, and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) during a courtesy visit to his office.

Professor Adebowale reiterated the university’s strategic focus on strengthening its position as a research-driven institution, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand academic linkages through student mobility programmes, faculty exchange initiatives, joint research projects, and broader institutional partnerships.

He stated that the university remains committed to deepening international academic cooperation, advancing research capacity, and exploring infrastructure development opportunities through strategic global engagement.

He further proposed the development of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define and structure the areas of collaboration, noting that the institution is open to further technical discussions through the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships.

According to him, the University of Ibadan continues to build strong town-and-gown relationships, which he described as essential for sustainable academic advancement and infrastructure development.

He added that collaboration with the Harbin Institute of Technology and CRBC would create opportunities for faculty exchange and student mobility, enabling shared academic exposure and institutional growth.

On her part, the Vice-Dean of the School of Transportation Science and Engineering at the Harbin Institute of Technology, Professor Liyan Shan, disclosed that the institution, established in 1920, is one of China’s foremost engineering universities with over a century of academic excellence in science and technology.

She explained that the visit focused on discussions around a proposed joint laboratory for the development of low-carbon and value-added technologies for solid waste management.

According to her, the proposed laboratory would function as a collaborative research platform aimed at strengthening academic exchange, research cooperation, and capacity development between Chinese and African universities.

She added that the initiative is supported by the Chinese government under competitive international research funding programmes across Africa, with proposals subject to review and approval.

Professor Shan further noted that successful proposals would open pathways for long-term partnerships, capacity building, and research development in engineering and infrastructure-related disciplines.

She also confirmed that CRBC maintains a strong working relationship with Harbin Institute of Technology, which informed its involvement in the collaboration.

A representative of CRBC, Ms. Li Jiang, stated that the corporation already has an existing partnership with the Harbin Institute of Technology and is currently collaborating with the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Ibadan.

She described CRBC as one of China’s largest construction companies, actively engaged in infrastructure and flood management projects in Nigeria, including ongoing interventions in multiple states.

She explained that the collaboration proposal includes academic engagement, research funding opportunities (currently under consideration), exchange programmes, and broader institutional partnerships aimed at strengthening academic ties.

Ms. Jiang also referenced CRBC’s infrastructure projects in Akwa Ibom, Lagos State, and the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project, noting that such partnerships could support physical infrastructure development within the University of Ibadan while enhancing institutional capacity.

The Principal Investigator of the collaboration and Director of Physical Planning and Project Management at UI, Professor B. I. O. Dahunsi, confirmed that discussions centred on exploring partnership opportunities between the University of Ibadan, Harbin Institute of Technology, and CRBC.

Other members of the visiting delegation included Professor Wencui Yang, Deputy Director of the Provincial Experimental Teaching Demonstration Centre of Transportation, Harbin Institute of Technology, and Mr. Biao Wu of CRBC.