Why we prioritise SDG-focussed research- Egbewole

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has explained that the current research focus of the University is tailored towards the attainment of the 17th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda because his administration understands the significance of planning for the future.

Prof. Egbewole stated this last Monday (April 29, 2024) while declaring open a workshop on Procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards held at the University Main Auditorium.

The programme was designed to train selected staff of the University of Ilorin and other organisations such as the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the Kwara State Public Procurement Agency, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Kwara State University, Malete and  Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS).

The workshop was facilitated by Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, in collaboration with the Centre for Research Development and In-House Training (CREDIT), University of Ilorin.

 Prof. Egbewole said that organisations desiring to protect the future must prioritise environmental sustainability, saying that was the reason why his administration hosted the workshop.

He explained that the training was instructive as it focuses on procurement management, environmental sustainability, and sustainable social development.

While expressing his pleasure in inviting participants from diverse backgrounds to ensure a fruitful exchange of experiences, the Vice Chancellor noted that procurement management poses a significant challenge for Nigeria, and it is crucial for leaders in various units to understand its intricacies.

Commenting on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the University of Ilorin and Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, the Vice Chancellor recalled the deliberate efforts of the management to give life to the MoU. He said, “I am pleased that the MoU with Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University is not just a document on the shelf; we are giving life to it and taking action. I urge participants to identify key deliverables of this workshop for the benefit of their organisations, communities, and the two institutions, i.e., University of Ilorin and Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University”.

Speaking earlier, the Acting Director of the Centre for Research Development and In-House Training (CREDIT), University of Ilorin, Dr Abdulkarim Oloyede, said that addressing the persistent challenges of procurement fraud in Nigeria necessitates a collective effort from all stakeholders involved in the procurement process.