RSU Holds 11th Breakfast Academy, Focuses on Turning Campus Research into Commercial Innovation

The Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has successfully hosted the 11th edition of its Breakfast Academy, a landmark event that convened key stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to deliberate on strategies for transforming university research into viable commercial ventures.

Held under the theme “From Campus to Commerce: Driving the Uptake of University Research and Programmes,” the event underscored the institution’s commitment to bridging the gap between research and industry-driven innovation.

In his opening remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Okey Wali (SAN), emphasized the crucial role of collaboration among universities, government agencies, and industry players in fostering innovation, enhancing institutional efficiency, and driving sustainable economic growth.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, reaffirmed the University’s dedication to research-based entrepreneurship, noting that closer ties between academia and the private sector are essential to maximizing the socioeconomic value of university-generated knowledge.

Delivering the Keynote Address, Mr. Janne Pentti Olavi Lauanne, CEO of Webuust (Finland), spoke on the importance of technological innovation, adequate funding, infrastructure development, and university-industry partnerships in advancing national competitiveness.

Also speaking, Engr. Christopher Ehi Omondiagbe, Managing Director, Bank of Industry, highlighted the critical role of development finance institutions in supporting innovative ideas and translating research outputs into commercial success.

The Chairman of the Occasion, Emeritus Prof. Wingston I. Bell-Gam, called for deeper synergy between universities and the private sector, stressing the need to convert research findings into real-world solutions that address societal challenges.

Earlier, the Director of the Advancement and Linkages Centre, Prof. Hudson Ukioma, welcomed participants and reiterated the importance of continuous engagement between the university and its development partners.

Other speakers at the event included Prof. G. B. Okon, Director of Research & Development, and Prof. Livinus Nwaizu, Director of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPTTO), both of whom emphasized research-driven innovation as the cornerstone of RSU’s advancement agenda.

The 11th Breakfast Academy was widely regarded as a resounding success and a significant step toward realizing Rivers State University’s mission to transform research into practical, impactful, and economically relevant solutions for society.