By: Abdrasheed Abdrosheed
The College of Natural and Applied Sciences at Fountain University, Osogbo, under the leadership of Dean Prof. Abdujaleel Kehinde Shittu, launched its 2024 International Conference on “Science and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development” with a resounding call for increased collaboration between researchers and industry stakeholders to drive innovation and economic growth in Nigeria.
The call was made by Prof. Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), while delivering the keynote address at the Eti-Osa Lecture Theatre of the University. Prof. Sanni emphasized the need to convert basic research into practical applications, dubbed “impact research,” and outlined the conference’s research-for-development framework, highlighting the crucial role of focused research in achieving sustainable development.
Prof. Sanni further called for increased collaboration between institutions to enhance research, warning that global market dominance can only be challenged through local innovation, driven by IT, big data analytics, and collective efforts to spark differentiation and solution-finding in various fields.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Olayinka Karim declared the conference open, proudly showcasing Fountain University’s achievements and commitment to character and excellence. She announced that the institution has risen to the 32nd position in the 2024 ranking of Nigerian universities, earning the 9th spot overall and securing the title of the best Islamic university in the country.
Representing Conference Chairman Prof. Akeem Lasisi, Professor Mutalib Aderogba highlighted the crucial transition from science to entrepreneurship, stressing that scientific innovation is vital for economic growth and societal impact, and must be combined with business acumen to create effective solutions.
Other attendees included members of the University Management Team, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Mutiu Agboke, Professor Gueguim Kana from South Africa, and an enthusiastic crowd of academics, industry professionals, and students.
The conference’s opening ceremony successfully highlighted the pivotal role of science and entrepreneurship in advancing sustainable development, leaving attendees inspired to innovate and collaborate for a better future