Future of quality education, impactful research, lies in institutional partnership – Unilorin VC
Vice- Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole
By Alex Ajayi
The Vice- Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole has said that the future of quality education, impactful research, and sustainable development lies in institutional partnership.
Egbewole made the assertion in his welcome address at the 3rd KU8 International Conference held at the Kwara State University (KWASU) Mini Convocation Arena on Thursday in Ilorin.
According to him, in a world marked by rapid change and increasing interconnectedness, no university or institution can thrive in isolation.
He added that the conference is more than a meeting of minds but a manifestation of shared vision to strengthen higher education and research collaboration within network and beyond.
Egbewole described the theme of the conference: “Innovation and Sustainability of Higher Education in a Changing World” as resonating deeply with the collective spirit that underpinned the consortium need to change the face of higher education in immediate communities.
He said the target is to serve as a springboard for changing the narrative of higher education globally.
Cross section of participants at the KU8+ conference
“We have resolved as a consortium to collaborate so that we can achieve more within the context of the popular refrain that if you want to move far, move together.
“The future of quality education, impactful research, and sustainable development lies in partnership, in our ability to move forward by moving together,” he said.
The Unilorin VC said the conference offered a platform to reflect on common goals, to assess the progress made, and to chart new paths for enhanced collaboration in teaching, learning, innovation, and community engagement.
He also echoed that higher education was faced with a number of challenges globally and the only way to navigate the challenges was through collectively interrogate the challenges in unison.
“Through our shared experiences and strategic alliances, we have the potential to shape the trajectory of higher education across our regions and indeed the globe,” he said.
On her path, the Chairman of the event Local Organising Committee, (LOC) Prof. Olubukola Dada, described the gathering as a testament to shared commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, sustainable development in West Africa.
Dada who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, KWASU, said It is imperative for universities to lead the charge in providing locally relevant and globally impactful solutions.
“The gathering of intellectuals, policy makers, researchers, and early career academics across the KU8 is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and sustainable development in West Africa.
“This Year, we received over 1,200 abstracts covering all 25 sub-themes from across every geopolitical zone in Nigeria and beyond.
“1,089 abstracts were accepted for presentation which is a testament to the depth and quality of scholarship within our network,” she said.
She disclosed that over 650 participants have registered to attend the conference both virtually and on-site.
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