A group photograph of participants immediately after the ceremony on Thursday
By Samuel Ogude
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area, Prof. Ezekiel O. Agbalagba has charged government at all levels to create policies that would give enabling environment for model to thrive just as he called upon Government to provide funding to facilitate collaboration and innovation in the country.
Prof. Agbalagba stated this at the Maiden Lecture series of the school of post graduate studies titled: “Driving Innovation and Funding Through Quality Research: The Triple Helix Model” which was held on Thursday at 500 capacity auditorium of the school. Prof. Agbalagba also charged the various universities and research institutions to partner with industries to develop innovative solutions, products and services.
According to him, the Triple Helix Model is a framework for innovation and entrepreneurship adding, the model emphasis the dynamic relationship between academia, industry and government which are aligned with the current administration’s vision to move the University to the next level.
The Vice Chancellor who was represented in the ceremony by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Engr.Prof. Chiedu N. Owabor said, the model fosters collaboration that helps to drive economic growth and societal development. He said, the model has given room for knowledge and technology transfer between academia, industry and government which goes a long way to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth. His words:” Our research efforts must be deliberately tailored to the Triple Helix Model if we must make any meaningful impact in the oil and gas industry as our core mandate”. He said the model should be able to provide access to funding opportunities from government, industry that would support research and development.
One of the awardees,Prof. Babatunde Bolaji Benard being presented an award by the FUPRE VC, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba on Thursday
According to Prof Agbalagba, the model would enhance employability among students and researchers as they gain practical experiences and skills in this regard. He said, the model also breaks structural barriers, encourage commercialisation of research outputs that can drive economic growth, build capacity of researchers, among others. He however doubted if this all tested principle has been applied to economic growth and societal development model in the society of today.
In his lecture on the sub- theme: ” Foundation of Quality Research for Funding and Building Fundable Research Proposals” Prof. Babatunde Bolaji Benard, Special Adviser, Technical, to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said, the quality of the research of any nation is the heart of that nation hence the researcher is referred as the nation builder that should be respected in the society.
According to him, research cuts across health care to agriculture, from education to engineering, from policy to administration, among others, adding, the nation’s growth is based on the strength of innovation and its effective application to the nation building. He said, the post graduate researchers are the nation builders as their research work is a tool in designing and shaping it. His words:” We live in an era where research is not merely an academic exercise but a much needed strategy for sustainable national development. It is a foundation upon which economics are built, innovations are born and global reputation are forged…”
He however said, across Nigerian and African academic environment, they face persistent challenges of limited funding, low research visibility and disconnects between the research output and real world impact. According to him, brilliant ideas alone do not attract funding nor patentable research outcomes but it is the strength of research proposal, its design and its methodology. He said, among others, the qualities that define quality and fundable research include clarity of purpose and problem definition, theoretical and conceptual grounding among others.
On his part, Dr. Salihu Girei Bakari, Director Research and Development/ Centres of Excellence Tertiary Education Trust Fund discussed the sub- topic:” Identifying High Impact Research Problems with Commercial Value” said, in today’s knowledge driven economy, the ability to identify and pursue high impact research problems with commercial potential is essential for driving innovation, attracting funding and solving real world challenges. He said, in region like Nigeria and other developing countries, aligning research with commercial and societal needs is key to national development. Dr Bakari who was represented by Dr. Saleiman Zangina said, high impact research addresses issues with potential to significantly influence policy,society or industry. According to him, commercial value is the market potential of the research outcomes which would be made to solve real and large -scale challenges, among others.
On her part, Prof. Eucharia Oluchi Nwaichi, the Director of Academic Planning, Research and Control, University of Port-Harcourt who discussed the sub theme: “Focusing On Global Funding Agencies And What Funders Are” said in today’s knowledge driven world, the ability to conceptualise and conduct quality research is fundamental but not sufficient for attracting funding especially from competitive global funding agencies among others.Other speakers include: Abdumalik Halilu, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, NCDMB, Mr Thank -God Egbe, Chief Executive Officer/Technical Director, CypherCrescent Limited who was represented by Musa Mohamma,
Prof (Mrs.) Juliet Emudianughe delivering her welcome address on Thursday
Earlier, in the welcome address, Prof.(Mrs) Juliet Emudianughe, Dean, School of Postgraduate studies, FUPRE and Chairperson, Planning Committee, said, the maiden Annual Lecture series of the school of Postgraduate studies of the institution marks a significant milestone in the collective quest to reposition Postgraduate education especially as it relates to specialise Petroleum University as a driver of National development, industrial innovation and strategic partnerships. According to her, the theme of this year’s lecture: “Driving Innovation and Funding Through Quality Research: The Triple Helix Model” is more timely and it is aligned with global trajectory of knowledge economics.
Her words: “Our Postgraduate community is strategically positioned to spear head this transformation. However, the impact of our research efforts hinges on three critical pillars: quality, relevance, and collaboration. It is therefore imperative that we embed innovation into the core of our academic culture, pursue research that address real- world challenges, and strength our engagement with both industry and government institution”
Prof (Mrs.) Emudianughe expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor, Prof Ezekiel Agbalagba for his unwavering support, the various speakers who contributed to the maiden post graduate lecture series as their insightful presentations has provided valuable learning opportunities that were not informative but impactful. She thanked specially ND Western: Empowering Nations for sponsoring the programme. Not left are those who were able to take out time for their busy schedule to attend the programme and wished them safe journey home.
The highlight was the presentation of award to Mr Thank -God Egbe which was received on his behalf by Musa Mohamma, Prof. Eucharia Oluchi Nwaichi, Prof. Babatunde Bolaji Benard, Abdumalik Halilu, Lawrence Nwadiogbu, Head of Petroleum Engineering and AG Technical and Developmental Manager,ND Western AMT OML 34 by Prof. Agbalagba who later arrived the ceremony amidst cheers.