UNILORIN, Pakistani varsity sign pact on scientific research
By Isaac Lewu
The University of Ilorin has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing global research and innovation through partnership with the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Pakistan as the two institutions agreed to collaborate in the fields of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Clinical Sciences. The agreement, which also covers staff and student exchange, joint research, publications and conferences, is aimed at making impactful scientific discoveries.
The partnership was formalised last Tuesday (June 30, 2026) following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Office of the Vice Chancellor, the University of Ilorin.
The agreement was signed by representatives of both institutions through the Zoom virtual platform, marking another milestone in the University’s expanding international collaborations.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Centre for Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships, University of Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Ibrahim Onireti, described the collaboration as another significant step targeted at strengthening global academic presence at the better by far University.
Prof. Onireti expressed confidence that the partnership would deliver lasting benefits to both institutions, noting that the University of Ilorin remains one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions.
He explained that the institution is a conventional University with 16 Faculties supported by several specialised research centres.
The Director explained that the collaboration would initially focus on Pharmaceutical, Biological and Clinical Sciences with opportunities to expand into other disciplines in the future.
According to him, the partnership would promote staff and student exchange programmes, joint publications, collaborative research projects and the joint organisation of scientific conferences.
Prof. Onireti expressed optimism that the agreement would facilitate groundbreaking discoveries in chemical, biological and pharmaceutical sciences while further strengthening the international reputation of the University for more academic excellence, research and innovation.
Speaking on behalf of ICCBS, University of Karachi, Prof. Muhammad Raza Shah, described the partnership as a significant bridge between Africa and Asia, stressing that science remains the common language that unites researchers across continents.
Prof. Shah said that the exchange of students and researchers would foster stronger academic cooperation and deepen scientific engagement between both institutions.
He also disclosed that ICCBS is a UNESCO Centre of Excellence and a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre with one of the largest doctoral programmes in Pakistan accommodating more than 500 Ph.D. students across 17 research buildings.
He added that the Centre also hosts a UNESCO Chair in Bio-Organic Medicine and Natural Product Chemistry and has established collaborations with UNESCO, COMSTECH and other international organisations while attracting students from across the world, including Africa.
Prof. Shah commended the University of Ilorin for its commitment to internationalisation and expressed appreciation to the management of the two universities for facilitating the agreement. He described the MoU as the beginning of greater initiatives and pledged ICCBS’s readiness to deepen collaboration for mutual academic growth and scientific advancement.
In his vote of thanks, the Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, University of Ilorin, Dr Kayode M. Salawu, expressed appreciation to all distinguished guests, partners and colleagues for their roles in making the collaboration a reality.
He also commended the leadership of both institutions and everyone who contributed to the success of the visit and signing of the partnership, expressing optimism that the collaboration would foster scientific research, innovation and academic excellence for the benefit of both institutions and society.
Also 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; and the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, among others.
