UNILORIN, NPC explore strategic collaboration
By Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reaffirmed the readiness of the University to deepen partnerships with agencies and organisations that promote research, innovation, and national development.
Prof. Egbewole gave this assurance penultimate Thursday (May 14, 2026) while receiving a delegation from the National Productivity Centre (NPC), that visited him in his office.
The Vice Chancellor said the University has a wide range of experts across disciplines who are well-positioned to contribute to productivity-driven research and innovation.
He added that the University remains committed to generating practical solutions that address societal and economic challenges.
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the U-Inspire Programme of the University, which, he said, is designed to equip students with entrepreneurial and vocational skills aimed at making them job creators rather than job seekers.
Prof. Egbewole encouraged the delegation to further engage the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Mukhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, who was also at the meeting, for the development of workable frameworks for sustainable collaboration.
In his remarks, the Kwara State Coordinator of the NPC, Mr Taiye Isarinde, called for stronger collaboration with the University in areas such as productivity research, data collection, and policy development to enhance efficiency in both public and private sectors.
He said the proposed partnership would also strengthen capacity-building initiatives through training programmes, workshops, and seminars for civil servants, researchers, and industry stakeholders, leveraging the academic expertise of the University.
Mr Isarinde disclosed that the NPC confers the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award on deserving individuals and institutions. The award is described as one of the most recognised productivity awards in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that the University would be a strong contender for the honour later in the year.
Present at the event were the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla and some senior officials of the NPC.
