UNILORIN to become a hub for Blue Economy initiatives – VC

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has expressed his readiness to transform the University into a hub for Blue Economy training in Nigeria in order to contribute its quota to the emerging field of Blue Economy.

Prof. Egbewole gave this assurance  penultimate Tuesday (January 23, 2024) while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Blue Economy among the University, Premium Blue Economy Innovation and Investments Limited and The Porrima Foundation, headquartered in Gryon (Vaud) Switzerland, in his office.

The Vice Chancellor said that the strategic collaboration, facilitated by the visit of Professor Gunter Pauli, the initiator of the Global Blue Economy Movement, signals a bold step for UNILORIN into the promising domain of Blue Economy initiatives.

Prof. Egbewole said his administration will give the initiative all it requires, especially since it does not require the University to put any money on the table.

He said,”Blue Economy is something that is emerging, but we want to be part of it. And we believe there is no harm in exploring and exploiting. We believe it is our resolve that this is something that is doable, and we are ready to give it all that it takes, especially since it does not require us to put any money on the table”.

Highlighting the University’s approach, he explained that UNILORIN would leverage its expertise, generating ideas that could be translated into tangible economic gains.

 To spearhead this initiative, the Vice Chancellor announced that he has established an implementation committee on the Blue Economy, involving both Deputy Vice Chancellors and several key officials of the University. He, however, expressed the hope that other partners will remain faithful to this cause.

 Prof. Egbewole indicated the possibility of partnering with universities outside Nigeria for research exchange, as well as the exchange of staff and students,adding that, this global perspective aligns with UNILORIN’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for its community.

He added that the joint initiative between the University of Ilorin and its international partners signifies a crucial step towards advancing research, innovation, and practical applications in the realm of Blue Economy, positioning the University as a catalyst for sustainable economic development in Nigeria

Speaking on behalf of Premium Blue Economy Innovation and Investments Ltd, and The Porrima Foundation, Chief Tajudeen Karim, said the MoU has heralded a transformative partnership that is aimed at propelling the University of Ilorin into the forefront of the growing Blue Economy sector.

Chief Karim acknowledged the commendable efforts of the federal government in establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which signaled a crucial awakening to the vast potential within the marine and emerging Blue Economy sector.

The representative of Prof. Gunter Pauli, the initiator of the Blue Economy initiative, however, mentioned some of the anticipated benefits for the University of Ilorin.

He said that the partnership will involve training of students from UNILORIN, both locally and internationally, engaging in tangible economic activities, such as utilising resources like sugarcane, manures, and animal waste. for economic purposes, among others.

Chief Karim revealed that in a few weeks, the collaboration would extend beyond academic activities to encompass the business aspect of the initiative. He expressed the hope that UNILORIN would establish a dedicated department whose focus would be  marine and Blue Economy.