UNILORIN, NNPC set to sign MoU on EIH
By Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has disclosed that the University and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of an Engineering Innovation Hub(EIH) aimed at enhancing practical learning, innovation and industry-driven research.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Thursday (June 4, 2026) while receiving a delegation of NNPC officials and stakeholders in his office.
He expressed delight at the progress made on the proposed project as he also commended all parties involved for their resilience and commitment, noting that discussions on the initiative had been ongoðing since late last year and had now reached an advanced stage.
Prof. Egbewole said that the University was eager to formalise the partnership, stressing that the Engineering Hub would strengthen the institution’s capacity to equip students with industry-relevant skills and produce solutions that would positively impact society. He noted that the project aligns with the commitment of the University to maintain its status as the nation’s most sought-after University.
He also called for a clear timeline for the execution of the project, expressing optimism that groundwork activities could commence by the end of June or the first week of July.
According to him, once the project takes off, it would become an irreversible landmark initiative capable of transforming engineering education and research.
The Vice Chancellor further assured the delegation of the full commitment of the University to the success of the project, describing it as “an idea whose time has come.” He prayed for the successful completion of the Engineering Hub and expressed confidence that future generations of students would benefit immensely from the world-class learning opportunities the facility would provide.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Joshua Olanrewaju Olaoye, expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering strategic partnerships capable of advancing research, innovation and national development. He noted that the collaboration with NNPC Ltd. was a testament to the Vice Chancellor’s determination to position the University as a leading institution in research excellence and industry-driven solutions.
Prof. Olaoye also commended the management of NNPC Ltd. for considering the University worthy of the collaboration, assuring the company that the institution possesses the expertise, facilities and human capital required to deliver impactful results. He pledged the readiness of the Faculty to contribute meaningfully to the partnership, adding that the collaboration would provide opportunities for groundbreaking research, capacity development and innovative solutions to challenges within Nigeria’s energy sector.
In his response, the Director, Research and Innovation (RI) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd, Mr Olatomiwa Olawuyi James, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the engagement, describing the interaction with the University as productive and promising. He disclosed that both parties had reached a mutual understanding on key areas of collaboration and noted that NNPC was eager to commence implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as soon as possible.
He explained that templates and necessary documents would be exchanged to facilitate the next phase of the partnership, adding that virtual meetings and other digital platforms would be utilised to sustain engagement between both institutions.
He added that joint activities would be guided by the identified areas of cooperation, while dedicated teams would continue discussions to ensure smooth execution of agreed programmes and projects.
The team leader further assured the University community of the commitment of the NNPC to the partnership, stressing that the collaboration would be pursued with speed and diligence to achieve meaningful outcomes. He expressed confidence in the capacity of the University to deliver on its mandate, noting that the partnership would ultimately produce results that both institutions would be proud of and that would contribute significantly to national development.
In attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi; the Deputy Vice Chancellor(Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal; and the University Librarian, Prof Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa, among others.
