UNILORIN explores Indonesia agribusiness partnership
By Isaac Lewu
The Deputy Vice Chancellor(Research, Technology and Innovation), University of Ilorin, Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, has reaffirmed the commitment of the University to strengthening research, innovation and international collaboration.
Prof. Etudaiye said this last Wednesday(July 15, 2026) at an agribusiness investment and partnership programme. organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in collaboration with the Kwara State Government at the Kwara State Innovation Hub, .Ilorin
The don described the engagement as a valuable platform for fostering international partnerships capable of advancing research, innovation and sustainable agricultural development.
Prof. Etudaiye noted that the institution’s drive for innovation aligns with its vision of producing practical solutions that address societal challenges while creating opportunities for wealth creation.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor explained that the University has continued to position itself as a leading innovation-driven institution through sustained investments in research, technology development and entrepreneurship, adding that collaborations with Indonesian institutions and investors would open new frontiers in agriculture, technology transfer, value addition and enterprise development for staff, students and the larger society.
Also speaking, the Manager of the University of Ilorin Innovation Hub, Dr Muhtahir O. Oloyede, described the forum as another demonstration of the growing role of the Hub as a meeting point for innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers. He explained that the Innovation Hub was established to nurture ideas, accelerate enterprise development and facilitate strategic collaborations that create value for society.
Dr Oloyede said the Hub remains committed to supporting start-ups, researchers and innovators through incubation, capacity building and access to relevant networks capable of transforming ideas into commercially viable products and services. According to him, international engagements, such as the Indonesian Business Forum, further reinforce the University’s resolve to build a globally competitive innovation ecosystem.
The Manager added that the interaction with Indonesian delegates presents fresh opportunities for knowledge exchange, technology transfer and investment, expressing confidence that the relationships initiated during the forum would translate into tangible benefits for the University community and Nigeria’s innovation landscape.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Unilorin Holdings Limited, Prof. Bashir Raji, who was represented by the Marketing Manager, Mr Akeem Salaudeen, said the mandate of the outfit is to commercialise the University’s assets, research outputs and business opportunities through strategic partnerships capable of generating sustainable revenue for the institution.
Prof. Raji noted that collaboration with Indonesian investors and business organisations would expand investment opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing and other commercially viable sectors, while strengthening the contribution of the University to national economic development.
The Chairman of the Technical Team of Agrobis Commercial Farm, University of Ilorin, and former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Oluyemisi Bolajoko Fawole, said the engagement between the Kwara State Government and the Indonesian delegation presents enormous opportunities for agricultural collaboration capable of transforming commercial farming and agribusiness in the state and at the University.
Prof. Fawole explained that the commercial farm of the University stands to benefit immensely through technical partnerships, improved farming practices and investment.
The former Dean, who teaches at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, added that strengthening collaboration with Indonesian partners would not only enhance the productivity of the University’s commercial farm but it would also inspire students to embrace agriculture as a profitable business venture. He added that exposing students to agribusiness will change the perception of agriculture, encourage entrepreneurship, improve food security and demonstrate that modern agriculture remains one of the most viable pathways to sustainable wealth creation in Nigeria.
Among that attended the programme were the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Special Duties, Mallam Nasir Imam; the First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, who was represented by Dr. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, Commissioner for Social Development; the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El- Imam; the Chief Executive Officer of the Triple Pillar Consulting Ltd, Ambassador Isiaka Abdulkadir Imam; the President of Kwara Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA), Eng. Abu Salami; and the Deputy Director, Indonesia Trade Promotion Centre, Lagos(ITPC), Mr Arif Indrakusnadi.
