Innovation, research key to national development

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The Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, has opined that innovation and research are critical for national development.

Prof. Ezemonye who stated this while delivering his opening address at the University’s Innovation Day Ceremony on Wednesday in Okada said the event is geared towards showcasing the research and innovation adventures of the IUO.

He said: “The institution of the IUO Innovation Day is a deliberate effort to recognise the symbiotic relationship between innovation and research excellence, underpinning the founding of Igbinedion University, both of which are crucial for national development.

“The Innovation Day is therefore geared towards showcasing the research and innovation adventures of our great University. IUO Innovation Day provides a platform for corporate bodies and individuals to exhibit their products and innovations to the audience.

“It is our expectation that your participation will culminate in the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships in the areas of scholarship and research excellence while promoting industry-academia engagement.

“Innovation is thus at the core of everything we do here at Igbinedion University, It fuels our research endeavors, inspires our teaching methodologies, and empowers our students to be future-ready in their respective fields.

On his part, the Guest Speaker and former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewale, explained that innovation is the process of developing an army of innovators that brings new ideas and development to a country.

Speaking on the topic entitled “The Place of Innovation in Pioneering Excellence“, further described innovation as the process of translating new ideas into reality.

Prof. Adewale, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan maintained that with innovation, there is no limit to breaking new grounds developmentally.

“By leveraging its strengths in sectors like ICT, fintech, agritech, and renewable energy, Nigeria can pioneer excellence through innovation.

“The government’s role in creating supportive policies, along with the crucial contributions of public-private partnerships, will be instrumental in this journey.

“In embracing the future, Nigeria must continue to invest in its human capital, encourage entrepreneurial mindsets, and foster an inclusive culture that values diversity in innovation processes,” he said.

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