President Bola Tinubu has urged universities to partner with industries and entrepreneurs in their research towards ramping up the commercialisation of ideas from tertiary institutions.
The president was speaking on Saturday at the 43rd convocation ceremony of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna state.
Tinubu said Nigerian universities have contributed immensely to research and development, hence the need for them to partner with industries and entrepreneurs in their research.
The president, who was represented by Tahir Mamman, minister of education, said universities are known for research and innovations, which provide the necessary ingredients for the development of societies.
He noted that ABU Zaria enjoys an enviable status in its contribution to research and innovations, especially in the areas of agriculture, medicine, and engineering among others.
“I urge the university to publicize their research and collaborate with industries and entrepreneurs for commercializing such ideas,” he said.
“Today, the higher education sector is witnessing tremendous growth, internalization and impact, from globalization.
“This is facilitated in part by partnerships, collaborations and the use of information and communication technology.
“The initiative of the university in developing a regional and internationalization policy aimed at attracting international staff and students is a right step in the right direction.”
Tinubu said the federal government is complementing these pragmatic efforts through its recent approval of a policy on transnational.
“This policy allows universities and investors abroad to set up institutions within Nigeria, owned by them or collaborate and partner with existing Nigerian institutions,” he added.
The president said students also enjoy support through loans that have been expanded to cater for those pursuing skill-based courses.