The University of Ilorin has begun talks with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening research, innovation and industry collaboration in Nigeria’s engineering and technology sector.

The development followed a high-level meeting between officials of the university and the oil company held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja last Wednesday.

Director of Corporate Affairs at the university, Mr Kunle Akogun, disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday that both institutions have agreed to set up a joint strategic committee to advance discussions on key areas of collaboration.

According to the statement, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, led the institution’s delegation, while the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Engr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, headed the NNPC team.

Akogun said the meeting focused on plans to establish a Centre of Excellence at the University of Ilorin dedicated to practical engineering and technology-driven research.

He noted that the proposed centre is expected to be the first of its kind in West Africa and would serve as a platform for innovative research and industry-oriented technological development.

“The discussions between the two parties centred on the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the University of Ilorin, the first in West Africa, that would be dedicated to practical engineering and technology-driven research,” Akogun said.

He added that the oil company is also considering the endowment of a professorial chair at the university as part of efforts to promote industry-relevant academic expertise.

“The partnership would also include the endowment of an NNPC professorial chair at the Better by Far University to promote industry-leading expertise,” he stated.

Akogun explained that the joint committee established by both institutions would work out the modalities for the partnership and present its report within four weeks.

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

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