Universities, industries must collaborate for national devt —FUTA don

A university don, Professor Joseph Olatunde Borode, has called on the Federal Government and stakeholders in the education sector to intensify efforts at promoting collaboration between universities and the industrial sector.

He said lack of synergy between universities and local industries is partly responsible for the downturn in the nation’s economy, and is a catalyst for other problems.

Professor Borode stated this while delivering the 84th Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Akure entitled ‘Materials: Sine Qua Non for National Development’.

The Professor of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering decried the lack of adequate funding for the support of research and development, which he said had affected the growth and well-being of industries in Nigeria.

He noted that universities were set up to undertake research in addition to teaching and community service, for the greater good of national development. But Borode noted that most industries in Nigeria are greatly import-dependent for raw materials that could easily be sourced locally through research.

Borode cited the role of iron and steel as a major part of all sectors of the nation’s economy, making critical reference to the automotive, building, architectural, health, transport, energy production, water supply, construction, surveillance, defence and weapon fabrication industries.

He added that the capacity of steel production in a nation has a significant bearing with the economic and technological development of a nation, noting however that by current estimate, according to National Minerals and Metals Policy, the annual per capita consumption of steel in Nigeria is 10 kilogrammes, while the corresponding world average is 130 kilogrammes.

In apparent steel consumption, according to him, Nigeria is lagging behind when compared with African countries like Algeria (with 42kg/capita), Egypt (with 36kg/capita) and Zimbabwe (with 25kg/capita).

Citing the UNDP report of 2001, Borode disclosed that Nigeria is the 13th poorest nation in the world with very low human development index, despite its enormous and abundant human and material resources.

He, therefore, urged government to invest further in the consumption of iron and steel, among other materials, whilst strictly maintaining its supervisory and regulatory function.

While presenting the inaugural lecturer, the vice chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, described him as a foremost researcher and experienced academic who had contributed in no small measure to research and development.

He congratulated Professor Borode for successfully attaining the height of his career and for having the privilege to deliver the lecture.