The University of Ilorin has begun moves to strengthen academic and research collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as both institutions set up a joint strategic committee to promote cooperation in research and innovation.
The decision followed a meeting held on March 11, 2026, when the Vice Chancellor of the university, Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, led a high-powered management delegation on a working visit to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.
Discussions during the meeting focused on the proposed establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the University of Ilorin, which would be the first of its kind in West Africa dedicated to practical engineering and technology-driven research.
The partnership proposal also includes the endowment of an NNPC professorial chair at the university to promote industry-focused research and develop expertise capable of addressing challenges in Nigeria’s energy and technology sectors.
The newly formed joint committee is expected to refine the details of the collaboration and submit its report within four weeks. Members of the university delegation included the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muktair Adeiza Etudaiye, the Registrar, Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Joshua Olaoye, among others.
