Why Innovation based on Academic Researches pivotal to Nigeria's growth- Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh

Against the background of Nigeria's dire need of economic growth, the Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Engr. Prof Akpofure Rim-Rukeh said innovation based on researches are road maps  to Nigeria's growth.

Prof Akpofure Rim-Rukeh  made this assertion today  Friday at  the institution celebrated its  18th  Founder's day/4th Convocation lecture. He said the importance of innovation can not be overemphasized if the country must attain higher level. According to him, the 4th Convocation Ceremony of the institution was packed with lots of innovative programmes  since on Wednesday which has been repeated today by the lecturer who did justice to the topic.

Giving a brief history of how the institution started and the attendant challenges, he said, despite the hurdles,.the university has recorded successes over the years which can be attested  to by the infrastructural projects and others which are now visible in the school.

  His words: The University has undergone prospects and challenges  but thank God we have developed to this stage and we are still growing".

Delivering lecture on the topic, " 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.

 He said, starting  from scientific discoveries to technological advancements that have revolutionised industries, Universities have been at the heart of national and global development as they are not 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.

According to him,  while there is no shortage of brilliant minds and groundbreaking teachers, the critical gap has been in translating knowledge acquired into tangible impact as many teachers produce papers that remain in academic journals instead of being developed into real-world solutions that can benefit the society.

 He asserted that 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 University depend on external grants as government funding is insufficient or inconsistent in disbursement. 

Dr Obiajunwa said 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 commercialisation, among others.

According to him, 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 and  charged the graduating student of the University that as they step into the world, they should embark on project to bring about innovation to societal challenges. 

While thanking the audience to have listened to him with rapt attention, he expressed gratitude to the school authority to have given him  the opportunity to speak on the topic which many say, is crucial at this time.

He said:" l would like to express my deepest gratitude to Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun for the honour of delivering this convocation lecture. To the University leadership, faculty, students and esteemed guests, l appreciate your engagement and commitment to this important discourse"  

On her part, the external Council  member of FUPRE, Dr Buba Faiziyya expressed gratitude to the University authority to have invited Dr. Obiajunwa  who gave educative lecture  just as she thanked  the institution   for the the line up of programme of activities  which would climax on Saturday. She  said the institution  has grown and will continue to grow in the years ahead by the grace of God.