Lancaster University Expert Urges African Researchers to Embrace Sustainable Innovation

A Lancaster University expert has called on senior academic leaders and researchers to adopt sustainable innovation and strategic global partnerships to unlock research funding and drive Africa's development.

Dr. Akanimo Odon, Head of Africa Strategic Partnerships at Lancaster University, UK, made this call during an international workshop on resource mobilization and grantsmanship at Lagos State University (LASU).

Dr. Odon emphasized the importance of sustainable innovation in tapping into the vast economic potential of the green economy, estimated to exceed $8 trillion by 2025. He urged African institutions to forge strategic global partnerships to access international funding and accelerate development.

The workshop, attended by Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, and members of the university's research clusters, aimed to explore fresh strategies for enhancing research impact through international collaboration. Dr. Odon introduced the "Escalator of Innovation" model, designed to connect businesses with academic research through internships, cluster workshops, and postgraduate projects.

LASU's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Taiwo Afisi, lauded the event as a timely and strategic initiative. She expressed her expectation that each of the university's 92 research clusters would secure at least one major grant by the end of 2025.