“UI Created the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships for Research Commercialization,” says Former VC

The 12th and immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, FAS, has revealed that the establishment of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships (RISP) was a strategic response to the growing need for the commercialization of research outputs and innovations originating from the institution.

Professor Olayinka made this known at a Town-Gown discourse during the University’s Research Development Fair tagged “UI-Town Connect 2025,” where he served as the lead discussant.

According to him, the University of Ibadan remains at the forefront of bridging academia and industry through the DVC (RISP) office, which drives initiatives aimed at translating research into real-world impact. He noted that the annual fair was part of this mandate, providing a platform for scholars and industry players to collaborate on practical solutions to societal problems.

He emphasized that research findings should not be left “to gather dust on shelves,” stressing the importance of connecting research outputs to industries capable of transforming them into products and services that benefit society.

Highlighting ongoing efforts, Professor Olayinka disclosed that the Postgraduate College has constituted a committee to review doctoral theses for potential commercialization opportunities. He reiterated that a university’s relevance is measured not only by its research output but by how effectively such research addresses real-life challenges.

The former Vice-Chancellor also called on the government to support research-driven innovation through funding, incentives, and scholarships for doctoral students, so they can focus on their academic work without being distracted by financial struggles.

Chairing the session, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships), Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, SAN, noted that the Roundtable Discussion was designed to foster practical engagements between researchers and industry experts. She underscored the importance of the fair’s theme — “Research, Innovation and Development: A Tripod for Meeting Societal Needs” — and urged early-career researchers to pursue impactful research capable of improving livelihoods and creating value.

Also speaking, the Director of the Centre for Intellectual Property Protection and Commercialization (CIPPaC), Professor T. O. Okareh, affirmed that the University now has a well-defined framework for protecting and commercializing intellectual property through the Centre. He, however, noted that not all research qualifies for patenting, as only works that meet specific commercialization criteria can progress to that stage. He advised researchers to look beyond promotion-driven studies and focus on solving societal problems through innovation.

In her contribution, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Mrs. Oluropo Oke, provided insights into the legal frameworks guiding intellectual property protection, emphasizing the Commission’s role in administration, enforcement, and enlightenment. She also expressed readiness to collaborate with the University in advancing IP protection and research utilization.

The session concluded with a lively question-and-answer segment, where researchers and industry representatives deliberated on issues surrounding policy, collaboration, intellectual property, and commercialization pathways.

Industry stakeholders present included representatives from Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Westlink Integrated Agriculture Limited, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (Oyo/Osun/Ondo/Ekiti branch), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Nigeria Office.

The event also featured exhibitions by Faculties, Centres, and Institutes within the University, alongside displays from external organizations — further underscoring UI’s commitment to connecting research, innovation, and industry for national development.