Campus News

UNILORIN partners SON for research excellence

The nation’s most sought-after University, the University of Ilorin, has taken a significant step towards strengthening its research, innovation, and industry collaboration with the signing of a partnership agreement with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

This agreement was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions penultimate Wednesday (March 12, 2015) at the SON headquarters in Lagos.

               Welcoming the University of Ilorin delegation led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Etudaiye, to the event, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, thanked the University for embracing the regulatory organisation.

He also emphasised the commitment of the organisation to enhancing standardisation in Nigeria, saying that this is important for the preservation of the health and greatness of the country.

Prof. Okeke stressed the need for continuous training and certification programmes, pointing out that standards generally undergo modifications every four to five years due to evolving technologies and regulatory adjustments.

The Director-General cited the Tobacco Act as a case study, noting the ongoing debates on flavored tobacco and emerging regulatory considerations, such as the implementation of graphic warnings alongside text warnings on the packaging.

To address these concerns, Prof. Okeke said that SON and UNILORIN would set up a joint research committee that will involve industry stakeholders, regulators, and academic experts.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology, and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Etudaiye, appreciated SON for choosing the University as a strategic partner.

Prof. Egbewole noted that the collaboration would offer immense benefits to the University with assured impacts across multiple Faculties such as Engineering, Science, Pharmacy, and Medicine.

The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the key advantages of the partnership such as granting of access to SON’s state-of-the-art laboratories to UNILORIN researchers and students.

He also said that the partnership would also afford researchers and students of the University the possibility of making use of quality assurance facilities in Lagos and that the joint research and development will enhance research output and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.

The Vice Chancellor also pointed out that the Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL) of the University would benefit from hands-on industry experience, while SON professionals will contribute as visiting lecturers.

He also explained that laboratories of SON and those of the University will be utilised for product testing and certification, adding that this would reinforce UNILORIN’s leadership in technical partnerships.

The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Dr George Adeniyi. The don, who is also a one-time Researcher of the Year, played a key role in the pre-signing negotiations.

With this collaboration, UNILORIN is poised to set new benchmarks in standardisation and innovation, reinforcing its position as a leader in academic-industry engagement.