The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has welcomed the collaboration among the National Centre for Hydropower Research and Development (NACHRED), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), the Engineering Materials Development Institute (EMDI), Akure, and the Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI), Ilesa, to ensure that the research outputs of the University are effectively commercialised.
Prof. Egbewole made this known last Tuesday (September 16, 2025) during a courtesy visit to his office by a delegation from NASENI headquarters, Abuja; EMDI, Akure; and PEDI, Ilesa; which formed part of preparatory discussions with NACHRED on deepening collaboration and scaling up the research outputs of the University.
He explained that the initiative aligns with his Administration’s commitment to broadening the impact of research beyond the laboratory and into the marketplace, and consequently addressing societal challenges and contributing to national development.
The Vice Chancellor, who is equally the Vice President (West Africa) of the Association of African Universities (AAU), noted that the partnership is expected to strengthen commercialisation of the University’s research outputs, provide greater visibility for the University patents, and enhance the impact of existing research.
Prof. Egbewole, who is also the Secretary-General of the Association of West Africa Universities (AWAU), said while NACHRED has recorded notable progress in research commercialisation has remained a challenge due to limited collaborations. He added that the synergy with NASENI is anticipated to bridge this gap and turn research outcomes into practical solutions for the country.
He, therefore, advocated that the collaboration should extend beyond NACHRED to involve the entire university and to create wider opportunities for innovation, societal impact, and sustainable development.
Speaking earlier, the team lead and Deputy Director in NASENI’s Engineering Infrastructure Department, Dr Emmanuel Ajani, expressed delight at the initiative, noting that NASENI has been monitoring Unilorin NACHRED’s progress since its inception and is impressed by the Centre’s determination to expand its research impact.
He added that the agency is eager to work closely with the University of Ilorin to transform ideas into innovations and make history by jointly driving technological advancement in Nigeria.
Dr Ajani further assured the management that NASENI would bring its experience, infrastructure, and expertise to bear in the collaboration, stressing that the agency is committed to supporting research centres that are ready to translate their work into practical outcomes for national development.
On her part, the Director of NACHRED, Prof. Omodele Abiodun Eletta, explained that the Centre is working to establish collaboration with NASENI, EMDI, and PEDI as part of its drive to scale up ongoing research efforts and move them towards commercialisation.
Prof. Eletta added that the collaboration aligns with NASENI’s mandate and provides a unique opportunity for the University to leverage national infrastructure support in order to make its research outputs more impactful and widely accessible
