By Odunayo Agboluaje, Ibadan
The former Military Administrator in Old Oyo State, General Oladayo Popoola {retd}; a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, and the Director-General of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Mr. Seye Oyeleye, on Tuesday, urged Nigerian universities to provide effective research that will address the plethora of challenges plaguing the nation.
They made the call at the University of Ibadan Research and Development Fair, UI-Town Connect 2023, as part of the activities commemorating the institution’s 75th anniversary.
The event, which was organized by UI in conjunction with DAWN Commission, took place at the International Conference Centre of the university.
Popoola noted that research from many universities must be effective in addressing the challenges facing Nigerian communities.
“Our communities need more and I believe that our research fellows should please look into all these areas.
“The Chinese have taken over our markets and everything we buy today is Chinese. Let’s look at where they started,” Popoola said.
Oyeleye, who  harped on the need for collaboration between the town and gown,  said: ‘’The challenges we are facing today need the attention of our academics to come up with innovative solutions. They must come up with strategies and research geared towards solving problems of the country’’.
Farounbi, who was the special guest at the event, charged Nigerian universities to solve the food insecurity challenge in the country.
The elder statesman said: ‘’For Nigeria to make it, we must solve societal problems. There is a need for collaboration and communication. Education must be able to solve problems. We don’t need education that decorates but one that solves problems. UI must be able to lead to solve problems’’.
In his keynote address, the Chief Operations Officer, Halogen Security, Dr Adebowale Adeagbo speaking on the theme of the event “UI @ 75: Re-engaging the University for Society and Industry said re-engaging was about listening and learning in different ways.
“Universities must be a game-changer who believe in the future, a world of infinite possibilities. Universities should see opportunities where others see impossibilities.
“They should think bigger and rephrase their perspective, see different and think differently and explore, challenge and reinvent,” Adeagbo said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, who was  represented by the Deputy VC Academics, Prof. Aderonke Bayeroju said the institution organized the event to bridge gaps and open new doors of opportunity.
He said the theme of the event resonated with the vision and mission of the institution.
Also, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, {Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships},  Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose lamented research ending on the shelves conducted by seasoned academics and researchers without addressing the ills of the society.
END