D-8 Chief promises UNILORIN global linkage
The Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8), Ambassador Isiaka Abdulkadir Imam, has expressed the organisation’s commitment to broadening the global connections of the University of Ilorin with relevant international organisations and universities.
Ambassador Imam gave this assurance when he visited the Vice Chancellor of the University in his office last Wednesday (December 27, 2023).
The diplomat also announced his readiness to use every opportunity at his disposal to facilitate connections between the University of Ilorin and companies within the D-8 member-countries, with the aim of establishing a small power plant for the purpose of alleviating the power challenges facing the University community.
Ambassador Imam explained that the organisation consists of Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, and is focused on key areas such as trade, industry, small and medium enterprises, agriculture, food security, transportation, energy, tourism, health, social security, education, and human resources development. He emphasised the University of Ilorin’s role in advancing these areas of priorities.
The Secretary-General, who is a multinational diplomat, said the D-8 has a team called the Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D-8 NPRI), which he implored the University of Ilorin to join.
He explained that the D-8 NPRI serves as a pool for the vast expertise of the D-8 Member States’ researchers, government and semi-government research institutes, and research in D-8 universities which is aimed at expanding the level of innovation in the D-8 Member States to enable the economic growth that is essential for sustainable development.
Ambassador Imam explained that the D-8 has established a University, currently in its early stages, affiliated with Bu-Ali Sina University in Hamedan, Iran.
He emphasised that upon full operationalisation, there will be opportunities for student and staff exchange programmes.
He added that currently five Nigerian universities are already part of this network. He, therefore, believed that fraterinising with the organisation avails the University abundant opportunities.
Ambassador Imam expressed interest in exploring the possibility of securing a partnership with a company from any of the D-8 member states to collaborate with the University of Ilorin towards establishing a small-scale power plant for the benefit of the University community.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, welcomed the Secretary-General of D-8 as he expressed appreciation for the visit.
The Vice Chancellor affirmed the University’s keen interest in promptly joining the D-8 network and actively collaborating with it to advance the organisation’s objectives.
Prof. Egbewole explained that the University of Ilorin, which was established in 1975, is a second-generation University, which has left an indelible mark in Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor said the institution has been rated the best in the country at various times, securing the position as the most subscribed University in Nigeria for eight consecutive years according to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Prof. Egbewole emphasised the University’s enthusiasm for joining D-8 NPRI to expand the level of innovation of the University of Ilorin.
He said that he understands that the future of education will be innovation, adding that, the most sought-after University in Nigeria is already actively integrating innovative approaches.
“The leadership of the University just came back from Sweden a few weeks back where issues bothering on innovations were discussed.
The Vice Chancellor, who noted that the institution spends approximately N120 million on power every month, seeks sustainable alternatives.
Principal Officers who joined the Vice Chancellor to receive the Ilorin-born diplomat included the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Funsho Ambali; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; and the University Librarian, Dr Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa.