UNILORIN VC calls for collaboration among varsities

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has called for consistent collaborations between Nigerian universities and foreign ones in order to promote exchange of ideas  and opportunities.

Prof. Egbewole stated this last Monday (November 20,2023) while receiving a visiting scholar from the Ohio State University, United States of America, Mr. Jong Hoon Shin, in his office.

Prof. Egbewole expressed delight at hosting a scholar of Mr. Shin’s caliber as he emphasised the significance of such visits to the global academic community.

The Vice Chancellor said that the visit of Mr Shin to the University of Ilorin emphasised the value of knowledge-sharing through visits by scholars to different countries. He referred to this practice as a form of short-term brain circulation, which plays a significant role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration in the academia.

Prof. Egbewole, who expressed optimism about the potential for further collaboration between the University of Ilorin and Ohio State University, envisioned the expansion of the existing  relationship to encompass more areas of mutual benefit, both for the institutions involved and for the advancement of knowledge and mankind in general.

Speaking earlier, Mr Jong Hoon Shin expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, his management team, and the members of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Ilorin for the warm reception extended to him.

As a scholar of Agricultural Economics, Mr. Shin noted that in addition to his primary focus on research during his visit to Nigeria, he was eager to savour the flavours of Nigeria’s renowned jollof rice and amala before concluding his stay in the country.

In the meantime, the Principal Investigator of the Maize Research Team, Faculty of Agriculture, University of llorin, Prof. Opeyemi Eyitayo Ayinde, shared insights into the collaboration between the University of Ilorin and the Ohio State University that culminated into the visit by Mr Shin.

Prof. Ayinde said that the focal point of the collaboration revolves around the Faculty of Agriculture’s Maize group at the University of Ilorin, which successfully developed and released two maize varieties, ILOMAZ-1 and ILOMAZ-2.

She revealed that the group applied for a grant and secured the USID grant by Feed the Future, a major milestone in their research endeavours.

Speaking on some of the conditions outlined in the grant, she stated that reciprocal visits between the two universities were mandated. Prof. Ayinde said she was scheduled to take her students to Ohio State University, but due to visa-related constraints, she embarked on a six-month visit alone. In return, scholar Jong Hoon Shin from Ohio State University visited the  University of Ilorin to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.

During his two-week stay at the University of Ilorin, the Principal Investigator of the Maize Research Team said Mr Jong Hoon Shin will conduct training sessions, introduce postgraduate students and young researchers to R-Software and experimental choice policies utilised in the Department of Agricultural Economics and other relevant disciplines. She said that this exchange of expertise is expected to significantly contribute to the academic and research landscape at the University of Ilorin.

Joining the Vice Chancellor to receive Mr Shin were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Funsho Ambali; the University Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the representative of the Ag. Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal; and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Oluyemisi Bolajoko Fawole, among others.