The University of Ibadan (UI) is set to commercialize its vast array of research innovations, intellectual properties, and academic findings to drive national development, according to the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter Olapegba.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, Olapegba made this known while receiving a delegation from Innovate UK Business Connect during a courtesy visit to the university. He emphasized that UI, with its strong history of academic excellence and research innovation, is well-positioned for collaborations that will bridge the gap between research and industry.
To facilitate this commercialization process, he revealed that the university has established a dedicated committee to identify and market patents and intellectual properties developed by its researchers across various faculties. This initiative aims to foster partnerships with businesses and research funders, ensuring that innovative ideas and discoveries contribute meaningfully to economic and social progress.
Over its 76-year history, UI has built a solid reputation through the dedication of its scholars, research leaders, and professionals, effectively utilizing knowledge to benefit both local and global communities. However, Olapegba acknowledged that despite financial challenges, the university has remained committed to maintaining a culture of excellence in teaching and research.
Expressing the institution’s interest in partnering with Innovate UK Business Connect, he highlighted the potential for collaboration in research commercialization and strategic qualitative research.
Leading the visiting team, Dr. Joanna Scales, accompanied by Dr. Pedro Carvalho, explained that Innovate UK is a UK government-funded organization that supports research, innovation, and business development both locally and internationally.
Dr. Scales outlined the organization’s core functions, which include direct support for universities, assisting in the development of business ideas, and transforming academic research into viable products and services. She also introduced an upcoming initiative, The Climate-Smart Agricultural Partnership, which will bring together stakeholders from the UK, Brazil, Ghana, and Nigeria to promote smart agricultural practices in Africa.
With a budget of £40 million, the project aims to enhance food production in Nigeria and Ghana through the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies. Dr. Scales emphasized that the initiative will focus on key areas such as cocoa value chains, oil palm, cassava, pest and disease management, soil fertility, agroforestry, and goat production. Additionally, it will facilitate knowledge sharing and expertise exchange among the four participating countries.
As part of the partnership, Innovate UK will launch two funding competitions to support collaborative projects between universities and industries, provide grants for research commercialization, and facilitate staff exchanges and travel support.
This collaboration marks a significant step in UI’s mission to translate academic research into real-world solutions, fostering innovation and economic growth.
