Campus News

Egbewole inaugurates STIP Champions

…sets vision for innovation, industry collaboration

By Tajudeen Babamale

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has inaugurated the Science, Technology and Innovation Park (STIP) Champions, charging the team to establish a hub that would drive innovation, research, and collaboration with industry partners.

The STIP Champions include Prof. Tanimola Makanjuola Akande, the Director of Unilorin Mentorship Centre; Dr. Bilqis Lawal of the Department of Pharmacology and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Dr. Suleiman Abimbola Yahaya, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering; Dr Ibrahim Kehinde Olojoku, Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, Faculty of Physical Sciences

Others are Dr Jumoke Oladele, Department of Social Science Education, Faculty of Education; and Dr Oluwatosin Igbayiloye, Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, Faculty of Law.

While inaugurating the committee last Monday (May 12, 2025), Prof. Egbewole stated that the project is a top priority for the University Administration and urged them to invest their time and energy into actualising the vision.

The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the financial constraints faced by the University but stressed that powerful ideas have the potential to attract funding and support. He painted a compelling picture of what success could look like, saying, “We may not have money, but if we have a good idea, money will come from it.”

            Prof. Egbewole further told the Committee members that “this is the idea I am presenting to you and want you to develop. For instance, if we are able to bring someone like Dangote to this campus to establish his company here, you can imagine what that would mean for us.”

            The Vice Chancellor, who stressed that he expected a high level of commitment from the STIP Champions, announced that the team would be required to submit quarterly progress reports to enable the University to monitor the project’s implementation and address challenges as they arise. He underlined the importance of time management and dedication, urging members to treat every second as vital to the success of the initiative.

            While also encouraging the team to develop strategies for engagement and collaboration that would not compromise their existing responsibilities within the University, the Vice Chancellor said, “We know this may take you away from your routine duties, but if this project succeeds, your names will be written in gold. You will be remembered as pioneers of a new era of development for this University”.

            He further noted the need to study existing science and technology parks across the world to learn from their models. “We want to know how they got to where they are and see how we can adapt their strategies to our context,” he said, hinting that physical visits to some of these parks may be necessary for a deeper understanding.

            Speaking during the inauguration, the initiator of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Park (STIP) concept who is a renowned academic from the School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, Prof. Daniel Kitaw, expressed strong optimism for the project, describing it as a vital step towards advancing innovation in Nigeria and across Africa.

            Prof. Kitaw, who joined virtually, congratulated members of the STIP Implementation Committee on being selected for what he described as “a critically important task to drive technological and industrial transformation on the African continent.”       He noted that the Committee members are privileged to have the support and leadership of a forward-thinking Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, whose commitment to innovation has made the project possible.

            While praising the intellectual vibrancy and readiness of the selected scholars to engage in rigorous research, learning, and collaboration, Prof. Kitaw stated that the team would need to conduct in-depth studies that reflect the unique socio-economic and institutional context of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, and Africa at large.

            According to him, “these studies would form the knowledge foundation for the development and sustainability of the STIP initiative.

            Speaking on a key starting point for the project, the visiting Professor said that the team would need to create awareness about the relevance and value of science and innovation parks, adding that there is need for a unified effort among stakeholders to promote a broader understanding of the project’s objectives and potential impact.

            While acknowledging the crucial role of institutional leadership in driving innovation and confirming that the University of Ilorin’s top management has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the success of the initiative, the team lead expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the University Management team for embracing the vision and providing a platform for its realisation.

            Pledging his full support, Prof. Kitaw assured the Committee of his personal involvement and the use of all resources at his disposal to help bring the vision to life. Despite the project being in its early stages, he expressed confidence in its potential, stating that he could already see promising signs of future success.

            In his remarks, the Director of the Mentorship Centre, Prof. Tanimola Akande, thanked the Vice Chancellor, for involving him in what he described as “a significant academic and developmental journey.”

            Prof. Akande noted that the new responsibilities aligned perfectly with his role as Director of Mentorship and expressed confidence that the experience gained through the project would enrich the University’s mentoring structure.

            He stated that the STIP initiative would not only provide a platform for knowledge acquisition and innovation but it will also serve as a vital resource for mentoring other scholars and students across Departments. According to him, the lessons learned from the project will be disseminated within the University to uplift academic standards and foster a culture of excellence.   

Speaking on behalf of the Committee members, Dr. Suleiman Abimbola Yahaya expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for the opportunity to serve and for the confidence reposed in them. He assured the University Management that the Committee members understood the gravity of the task and were fully committed to delivering impactful results.

            Dr Yahaya, who is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, reflected on the influence of Prof. Kitaw, noting that his engagements with the University had already made a strong impression on the academic community.

            Recalling Prof. Kitaw’s contributions during the Africalisk programme and the recent Centre for International Education (CIE) conference, Dr Yahaya highlighted the immense value his mentorship would bring to the STIP journey.

            He likened the Vice Chancellor’s leadership and support to that of a lion backing a determined dog, stating that with the strength and vision of Prof. Egbewole behind them, the team was energised and inspired to give their best.

            He, however, assured that every member of the Committee would work diligently to ensure the success of the project, promising that their efforts would justify the trust reposed in them.

            Joining the Vice Chancellor during the inauguration was the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Bursar represented by Deputy Bursar (Cash Office), Mrs Florence Olufunke Gbadeyan.