SPGS Lecture: NESG Chairman Advocates Intentional Collaboration for Economic Growth

By: Daniel Kelechi

The Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf has advocated the need for intentional collaborations between Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and the Private Sector towards sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.

He stated this while delivering a key-note lecture at the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), University of Lagos (UNILAG) Annual Lecture for the 2023/2024 Academic Session held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at the A.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG.

In his lecture titled “Innovative Synergies for Transformational Growth: From Collaboration to Integration”, Mr. Olaniyi charted the course for more robust, strategic and intentional collaboration between the Town and the Gown.

Mr. Olaniyi acknowledged the prevailing challenges currently hindering Nigerian universities’ access to private sector collaboration which include perennial funding constraints, weak research capacity, arrogance, tokenism and lip service, curriculum mismatch, bureaucracy and regulatory hurdles, perception and trust issues.

He, however, recommended that concerted efforts be made towards addressing them by intentionally building mutual trust. He went further to propose an inclusive, integration-oriented engagement framework which, among other things, will eliminate all barriers to change.

Chairman, of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh OON who chaired the occasion remarked that Postgraduate Education can contribute to confronting the multiple challenges currently facing Nigeria.

He declared that a transformative educational system must be “linked to the political realities of our time” and the much-needed innovation in Nigeria must be driven by intentional and strategic research.

He stressed the need to ensure that students are not only academically sound but are also industry-ready, while also reiterating the need for commercialisation of research.

“Partnership is not just an option, it is a necessity for the sustainable development of our country, Nigeria”, he said.

In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola FAS, OON, noted that the lecture theme was both timely and transformative considering the need to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.

She added that, in line with the 4th Industrial Revolution, tertiary education is changing rapidly and researchers cannot but also focus on finding tailored solutions to identified problems.

She stressed that “researchers must have the potential to transform our world” and called on Town to join Gown in making the vision of transformational growth a reality.

The School of Postgraduate Studies Dean, Prof. A.A.A. Osinubi also highlighted that ‘Innovative Synergies’ is not just a theme for the lecture but a call to action, service and transformation. He urged all stakeholders to commit to building stronger partnerships between academic institutions and industries.

He seized the opportunity to acquaint the audience with several innovative and academic revolutions in the School of Postgraduate Studies initiated by his regime, most of which have taken immediate effect.

On behalf of UNILAG SPGS, the Vice-Chancellor presented a plaque to the Guest Speaker in appreciation for his robust and thought-provoking lecture. She also unveiled the model of the proposed SPGS building.

Delivering her closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the need for a change of mindset to meet the changing world and reverse the current state of underutilised potentials of universities while challenging academics to refocus their research activities towards national development, economic and industrial impact to attract budgetary prioritisation from governments.

Also at the event were other Principal Officers of the University; several Professors, Late and Early-Career Members of the Academic and Non-Academic Staff, Postgraduate Students, Captains of Industries and other Distinguished Guests.