Prof Ekanem Ikpi Braide, President of the Nigerian Academy of Science
Nigerian universities have been urged to strengthen collaboration with industries, government, and communities to tackle pressing national challenges and drive sustainable development.
President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof Ekanem Ikpi Braide, made the call while delivering the 20th convocation lecture of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, titled “The Nigerian University of the 21st Century: Engine of Knowledge, Driver of Development.”
Braide emphasised that universities must align research with national priorities and translate findings into practical solutions. She noted that the absence of coordination and knowledge-sharing among researchers has hindered effective Research and Development (R&D) outcomes in Nigeria.
“As drivers of development, research carried out in universities must feed policy and practice,” she said. “Stakeholders – academia, industry, government, and communities- must collaborate in a quadruple helix model to address national problems.”
She lauded recent efforts by TETFund to promote collaboration through the establishment of a Research Foundation, but emphasised the need for stronger partnerships that transcend silos. According to her, sustained academia-industry cooperation will bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhance innovation, and accelerate national progress.
