UI HAS A MISSION TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE SOCIETY THROUGH CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION – UI VC

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, FAS, has declared that the University has a mission to contribute to the transformation of the society through creativity and innovation and this has led to a renewed and unshaken commitment to foster relationship(s) with Small and Medium Businesses, with a view to solving technical challenges relating to such businesses.

He made this profound assertion while delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the second edition of the University of Ibadan-Small and Medium Enterprise Fair held on Thursday, 12 November, 2020 with the theme: "Co-create the Future: University of Ibadan-SME Collaboration and Fair 2020” at the main hall of the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The VC expressed his strong desire to see the Fair transformed into a national annual discourse serving as a platform of participation for other SMEs as well as for other tertiary institutions in Nigeria with the University of Ibadan as chief convener of the laudable initiative.

In his speech, the Chairman of the ceremony, a former Dean, Faculty of the Social Sciences and Pioneer Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation of the institution, Prof. Adedoyin Soyibo was excited to witness the birth of the major dream he had during his tenure. In his words: “The ideas and conceptions that one imagined, God has made it possible and I am so excited and happy to be here.”

Earlier in her welcome address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships), Prof Olanike Adeyemo, noted that SMEs are the drivers of economy anywhere in the world. According to her, research should target societal needs by providing solutions to address the problems in the society, saying "to support Nigeria and make it work, we need to collaborate.”

This year SME summit was well attended.