L-R : FUPRE VC, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh(2nd), Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa(3rd),FUPRE New VC, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba(4th) and other Senior staff of FUPRE
By Ejiro Nesisa
The Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh said the only solution to Nigeria’s economic growth is innovation which is brought about by rigorous academic research works.
Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh stated this today, Friday at the commemoration of the 18th Founder’s day/4th Convocation lecture. According to him, it is based on the potential of innovation hence the institution especially at the planning of the Convocation has anchored the event which started on Wednesday on Career Research firm with the theme: Innovation for economic growth, which has been re-echoed in the Convocation Lecture of the day by the speaker, Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa. He therefore advised that researches that would bring about innovation of the economy be embarked upon by different higher institutions of learning.
Group photograph of FUPRE VC,Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh and others at the ceremony
The Vice Chancellor whose tenure comes to an end in the institution this year, gave a brief history of the birth and developmental stages the institute has undergone. He however expressed gratitude to God Almighty that institution has developed to this present stage. His words:”The University has undergone prospects and challenges but thank God we have developed to this stage and we are still growing“.
In his lecture:” Universities Are Innovation Hubs: Are We There? Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa said, throughout history, universities have played a pivotal role in shaping the course of human civilization. According to him, starting from scientific discoveries to technological advancements that have revolutionized industries, universities have been at the heart of national and global development as they are not just institution of learning but engines of progress where knowledge is created, refined and translated into solutions that can address societal challenges. He however doubted if the Universities have fully realized their potential as innovation hub.
The great academic said while there is no shortage of brilliant minds and groundbreaking research, the critical gap has been in translating knowledge acquired into tangible impact as many researchers produce papers that remain in academic journals instead of being developed into real-world solutions that can benefit the society.
According to him, one of the key challenges facing Nigerian Universities is funding as research and innovation require substantial financial support but many institutions operate with limited budgets that can barely cover basic academic activities adding that, this has made many universities depend on external grants as government’s funding is insufficient or inconsistent in disbursement.
He therefore suggested that to transform a university into an innovation hub, there must be a framework that is structured on decision-tree approach as it must establish innovation strategy, create a dedicated innovation committee and secure leadership buy-in; restructure research focus, align with industry needs and establish or strengthen technology transfer Office for commercialization, among others.
Dr. Obiajunwa said, since innovation does not strive in isolation,as it requires an ecosystem where academia, industry and government collaborate by strengthening research translation, investing in infrastructure and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, Nigerian Universities can evolve into powerful engine of economic growth and technological advancement. He therefore charged the graduating students of the University that, as they step into the world, they should embark on projects to bring about innovation to societal challenges.
Some participants of the founder’s day/ convocation lecture
His words:” To the graduating class, as you step into the world, step forward as innovators. Be bold in your thinking, relentless in your pursuit of knowledge and committed to creating solutions that impact lives”. Dr. Obiajunwa expressed gratitude to the school authority for given him the honour to speak on the topic.
On her part, the External Council member of FUPRE, Dr. Buba Faiziyya expressed gratitude to the University authority to have invited Dr. Obiajunwa who has given a sound lecture just as she thanked the institution for a line up of programmes for the 4th Convocation Ceremony of the school and hoped that the institution would continue to wax stronger by the day.