U6+ members tour UNILORIN’s research, innovation facilities
By Isaac Lewu
Members of the U6+ Consortium have toured key academic, research and innovation facilities at the University of Ilorin as part of the activities lined up for the Mid-Year Meeting of the Consortium held at the University penultimate Thursday (July 2, 2026).
The tour gave the U6+ members the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the University’s best practices, infrastructure and research capabilities, with a view to identifying areas for collaboration and adoption of successful initiatives in their respective institutions.
It commenced at the University’s Central Research Laboratories(CRL) and subsequently covered several strategic centres across the campus, where delegates interacted with researchers, inspected facilities and sought explanations on their operations with the aim of replicating innovative ideas in their respective home universities.
Receiving the delegation at the CRL, the Director of the Centre, Prof. Ibraheem Katibi, described the visit as a privilege, as he conducted the delegates through about six out of many laboratories equipped with sophisticated research facilities. He said that some of the facilities are rarely available in many research centres across Nigeria, explaining that the laboratories provide advanced research support for scholars across disciplines while promoting innovation, capacity building and industry-driven research.
Prof. Katibi told his guests that collaborations facilitated through the laboratories had already produced about 10 patents, with several other research outputs in progress.
He added that the partnership model of the CRL, which combines private-sector efficiency with the University’s research expertise and infrastructure, is contributing significantly to the realisation of the Vision 1:10:500 of the University by improving laboratory operations and generating additional revenue for the institution.
At the Department of Ophthalmology, the delegation was introduced to advanced eye diagnostic equipment used for comprehensive vision assessment. The officer in charge explained that the automated machines examine patients’ eyes, analyse the results, and accurately identify vision defects before recommending appropriate corrective measures.
The visitors were informed that the facility supports teaching, research, and clinical services by providing precise and timely diagnoses, thereby improving the quality of eye care available to patients while exposing students to modern ophthalmic technologies.
The U6+ Consortium delegation also visited the College of Health Sciences of the University, where they were received by the Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Prof. Kolawole Wasiu Wahab,on behalf of the Provost, Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi.
Prof. Wahab highlighted the College’s remarkable growth, academic excellence, and globally recognised research contributions. He informed the visitors that the Medical School, established about 49 years ago, would celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, having evolved from the Faculty of Health Sciences into a full-fledged College comprising the Faculties of Clinical Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, and Basic Clinical Sciences.
Prof. Wahab explained that the College offers a wide range of accredited programmes, including Medicine and Surgery, Anatomy, Histology, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Physiotherapy and other health-related disciplines, while plans are at an advanced stage to commence Speech and Language Therapy as well as Occupational Therapy.
He also showcased the College’s Centre for Community-Based Education, describing it as a pioneering initiative established about five decades ago and one that has since become a model replicated by several medical schools across West Africa.
Speaking on research, the Dean disclosed that the College remains one of the strongest pillars of the University in scholarly output and global visibility, noting that half of the University’s 20 most-cited researchers are from the College of Health Sciences.
He added that researchers in the College have undertaken groundbreaking studies that have influenced healthcare policies within and beyond Nigeria, including internationally acclaimed clinical trials and landmark publications that have advanced medical knowledge and improved patient care.
Prof. Wahab further drew the attention of the delegation to the College’s state-of-the-art research facilities, including its Stem Cell Laboratory, MRI facility and other specialised laboratories that played significant roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained that the University is actively participating in multi-centre vaccine and medical research projects with global relevance, reaffirming the commitment of the College to producing innovative solutions to emerging health challenges and strengthening the reputation of the University as a leading centre for medical education, research and community service in Africa.
The delegation’s next port of call was the Directorate of Corporate Affairs, where the Director, Mr Kunle Akogun, received them. They were hosted to a special interview session on UNILORIN FM that highlighted the vision, objectives, and growing impact of the Consortium on higher education in Africa.
The radio interview, anchored by Mr Tunde Agboola, featured the Chairman of the U6+ Consortium and Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, Prof. Herbert Robinson, who explained that the Consortium was established to deepen collaboration among African universities through joint research, innovation, staff and student exchanges, and sustainable capacity building.
Prof. Robinson stressed that the consortium remains committed to promoting academic excellence and providing practical solutions to challenges confronting the continent. He noted that stronger partnerships among African universities would enhance knowledge sharing, improve research output, and accelerate socio-economic development across the region.
During the visit to the Innovation Hub, the Ag. Director, Dr Muhtahir O. Oloyede, explained that the Hub was established to bridge the gap between research and industry by transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions capable of addressing societal challenges. He said the Hub provides a platform for researchers, students and innovators to develop market-ready products, promote entrepreneurship, attract strategic partnerships and strengthen the drive of the University towards innovation, commercialisation and sustainable national development.
The Innovation Hub Manager further disclosed that the University is on the verge of unveiling three major research-based innovations for public use, with one of the flagship projects being a mobile application designed to facilitate malaria testing through smartphones.
According to him, the initiative, alongside the other forthcoming innovations, underscores the University’s commitment to deploying cutting-edge research and technology to improve healthcare delivery and enhance the quality of life while reinforcing its position as a leading institution in research, innovation and impactful community service.
Welcoming the visitors, to the Centre for Gender Studies, its Director, Prof. Patricia Folake Omojasola, explained that the Centre was established to promote gender equity through research, advocacy, capacity building and community engagement, while fostering inclusive development within and beyond the University community.
Responding, the Chairman of the U6+ Consortium observed that giving adequate attention to the proper upbringing and orientation of the boy child would significantly reduce many of the challenges faced by the girl child, stressing the need for a balanced approach to gender issues that encourages responsible values and mutual respect in society.
On his part, the Managing Director, UNILORIN Holdings, Prof. Bashir Ademola Raji, explained that the mission of the outfit is to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable revenue generation through commercially viable ventures that support the University’s core mandate of teaching, research and community service. He said the outfit remains committed to expanding its business portfolio while maintaining high standards of service delivery and operational excellence.
Prof. Raji also conducted the visitors round some of the University’s business enterprises, including the Medical Screening Centre, UNILORIN Table Water Factory, and the UNILORIN Zoo. At the Zoo, they observed animals such as lions, hyenas, ostriches, tortoises and reptiles, while some members also enjoyed a boat cruise at the University Dam Site, bringing the tour to a memorable conclusion.
The U6+ members expressed admiration for the University’s research facilities and innovative initiatives as they also made enquiries on the management and sustainability of the centres while exchanging ideas with officials on strategies that could be adapted to strengthen research, innovation and institutional development in their respective universities.
