Polytechnic Ibadan Scholars Seek Stronger Research-Industry Collaboration
Scholars at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, have urged stronger collaboration between academia, industry, government and communities to turn research into practical solutions for Nigeria’s industrial and environmental challenges.
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Polytechnic Ibadan scholars call for stronger research-industry collaboration to drive innovation, industrial development and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
The call was made during the institution’s 14th inaugural lecture held at the Assembly Hall.
The lecture, titled “Materials and Environment: Safer Communities from Environmental Engineering Perspective,” was delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr David Oke. The event was attended by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Lanre Nassar, and the Rector, Prof. Taiwo Lasisi, among others.
Nassar, a former Vice-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), said inaugural lectures provide opportunities for scholars to showcase research, innovations and contributions to knowledge.
He urged industries and corporate organisations to participate more actively in such academic events to discover research findings and innovations that could help solve operational challenges.
The council chairman also stressed the need for universities and other higher institutions to align research and curricula with the needs of society, noting that stronger academia-industry partnerships could boost innovation, industrial development and economic growth.
Lasisi said inaugural lectures should go beyond academic presentations by demonstrating how research can be applied to real-life problems. He cited technological developments such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy as examples of innovations driven by research.
He encouraged students and young scholars to pursue research that can make meaningful contributions to society.
In his lecture, Oke examined the connection between materials, environmental management and community safety. He highlighted environmental hazards such as noise pollution, contaminated water and indiscriminate tree felling.
He stressed the importance of protecting trees because they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Oke also identified weak monitoring and enforcement as major challenges to environmental protection in Nigeria. While the country has environmental laws and regulations, including Environmental Impact Assessment requirements, he said their effectiveness depends on proper compliance, monitoring and enforcement.
The scholars ultimately called for closer collaboration among academic institutions, industries, government and communities to ensure research findings are transformed into practical innovations that support Nigeria’s industrial growth and environmental sustainability.
