UNILORIN, NNPC parley on strategic, tech-driven research centre

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have set up a joint strategic committee to promote cooperation between the two institutions.

This was disclosed in a press statement issued by Kunle Akogun, the Director of Corporate Affairs of the University of Ilorin, on the outcome of a meeting held between officials of the two institutions at the NNPC Towers in Abuja last week Wednesday.

Akogun explained that, Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, who is a Professor of International Law and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, led the UNILORIN delegation to the meeting, while Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, led the NNPC team.

According to the statement, discussions between the two parties centred on the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the University of Ilorin – the first of its kind in West Africa dedicated to practical engineering and technology-driven research.

The talks also focused on the endowment of an NNPC Professorial chair at the Better by Far University to promote industry-leading expertise.

“The joint committee, which will refine the details of the partnership, is expected to report back within four weeks,” Akogun said.

Other members of the University of Ilorin delegation included Mukhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation);
Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, the Registrar; and Joshua Olaoye, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, among others.