1
0
The 3rd Summit of the D8 Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D-8 NPRI) hosted by the University of Ilorin will strengthen collaboration among member states to improve multidisciplinary research among universities.
At a news briefing tagged “Networking and Collaborating for Development”, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole stated further that the partnership is also geared towards benefiting member states, communities, and most importantly, students.
Prof. Egbewole emphasized the need to leverage technology, factor the emerging issue of Artificial Intelligence, gene editing, quantum computing and other ideas that are shaping the world for future relevance.
While noting that collaboration is key to development, the Vice Chancellor, said “there was need to recognize the changing times, especially the overriding effects of climate change, global warming and disruptive technologies.”
He explained that the programme will also provide opportunities in areas of student and staff exchange opportunities, joint research partnership, as well as joint study projects among the 28 institutions in member states including 6 Nigerian Universities like the University of Ilorin, Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Bayero University, Kano and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
Others are University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahamadu Bello University, Zaria and the University of Maiduguri.
Responding, representative of the D-8 Secretariat from Turkey, Mr Ahmar Ismail, expressed enthusiasm that the collaborative works between the universities in harmonization of curriculum will help students experience cultural diversity and new ways of learning and research.
He noted that the University of Ilorin has taken the lead in championing the course of the D-8 NPRI, adding that the institution has all it takes to participate and contribute to the growth of the programme in terms of students’ strength, departments and facilities.
In a remark, Prof. Noorsidi Bin Matnor, from Malaysia, explained that the Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation will help bridge the digital divide that has been created between the developing and developed countries.
According to him, the cooperation will create opportunities for youths of member universities to diversify and connect their economies by utilizing tools like AI, block chains, cloud computing, robotics and other technologies within the reach of the young generation.
Universities from member states nominated for D-8 NPRI include Nigeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey.
By Sola Rotimi
