UI Hosts Research Development Fair, Highlights Research, Innovation, and Development as Drivers of Societal Progress

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has emphasized that the stability and progress of any society depend on the strength of the Research, Innovation, and Development (RID) tripod.

He made this remark at the opening ceremony of the University’s Research Development Fair, tagged “UI-Town Connect 2025,” held as part of events marking the 77th Foundation Day and 2025 Convocation Ceremonies of the institution.

According to Professor Adebowale, the fair’s theme — “Research, Innovation and Development: A Tripod for Meeting Societal Needs” — aptly captures the symbiotic relationship among the three concepts. He described research as the foundational leg that generates knowledge, innovation as the transitional leg that transforms that knowledge into novel solutions, and development as the impactful leg that applies those innovations to drive economic growth, address social inequities, and improve living conditions.

He further explained that research is incomplete until it transcends institutional boundaries to effect tangible change in the community and the nation at large, adding that the fair aims to strengthen the RID tripod by connecting academia with industry and society.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships), Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, SAN, stated that the fair has become a vital platform where scholars, investors, and policymakers collaborate to transform research outcomes into practical solutions. She stressed that research must lead to innovation, and innovation must result in development, ensuring that knowledge creation and societal impact work hand in hand to solve real-world problems.

In her address, the Chairperson of the Fair, Mrs. Oluyemisi Iranloye, Founder and CEO of Psaltry International Company Limited, highlighted the company’s breakthrough in establishing Nigeria and Africa’s first — and the world’s second — cassava-based sorbitol factory, a product of the RID process. She explained that producing sorbitol locally from cassava, instead of importing it from corn-based sources, exemplifies how research and innovation can foster national self-reliance and economic development.

Delivering the keynote address, Engineer Adegbite Falade, MD/CEO of Aradel Holdings, asserted that “a patent that powers a factory contributes more to national productivity than a dozen journal citations.” He urged universities to reward problem-solvers rather than prioritize publications. Falade also identified key challenges impeding RID in Nigeria — such as inadequate prototyping facilities, weak intellectual property frameworks, and poor policy alignment — and proposed five strategic reforms: the creation of research-industry clusters, a National Innovation Fund, standardized IP and revenue-sharing policies, institutionalized Industry Challenge Briefs, and public reporting of innovation outcomes.

The Director-General of DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, represented by Dr. Adesoji Farayibi, noted that for RID to thrive, universities must be supported by strong innovation ecosystems comprising incubators, IP frameworks, and technology transfer offices. He emphasized the need for stable funding, good governance, and interdisciplinary collaboration that moves innovations from prototypes to real-world applications.

The Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Nigeria Office, underscored the importance of understanding Intellectual Property (IP) in driving national development. He described IP as the engine that powers innovation, enabling creators and institutions to benefit from their inventions. He further explained that commercialization of research requires structured IP protection and clear pathways from the laboratory to the marketplace.

Earlier, the Chairman of the UI Research and Development (RESDEV) Committee, Professor Andrew Fadoju, stated that the fair was designed to foster collaboration, showcase innovation, and explore opportunities for partnerships.

A major highlight of the event was the Gen-Z Hackathon 2.0 Grand Finale, where five student teams pitched innovative ideas, with the top three receiving cash prizes. The opening ceremony was followed by a two-day exhibition of research innovations, marking another milestone in the university’s effort to bridge the gap between academia and society through research-driven development.