… unveils petrol minibus designed, developed by IUO College of Engineering
… products of IUO Oil Palm Processing Mill on exhibition
In its annual celebration of creativity, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of academic excellence, the 25th Anniversary Innovation Day of Igbinedion University aims to honour the spirit of innovation that has been the driving force of the university.
Notably, the 2024 Igbinedion University Okada (IUO) Innovation Day that held on Wednesday at the University’s Central Library, Okada, coincides with its 25th anniversary of being the first private university in Nigeria, established on May 10, 1999.
In his opening remark, the Vice-Chancellor, IUO, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye noted that nothing can be more innovative really than going into an uncharted terrain that epitomises the birth of Igbinedion University, Okada.
Prof. Ezemonye added that the institution of IUO Innovation Day is a deliberate effort to recognise the symbolic relationship between innovation and research excellence underpinning the founding of the University, both of which are crucial for national development.
The Innovation Day is therefore geared towards showcasing the research and innovation adventures of IUO.
Remarkably, the IUO Innovation Day provided a platform for corporate bodies and individuals to exhibit their products and innovations to the audience.
“It is our expectation that your participation will culminate in the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships in the areas of scholarship and research excellence while promoting industry-academia engagement,” Prof. Ezemonye said.
“Innovation is thus at the core of everything we do here at Igbinedion University. It fuels our research endeacours, inspires our teaching methodologies, and empowers our students to be future ready in their respective fields.
“From groundbreaking discoveries in science and technology to revolutionary advancement in the arts and humanities, our university community continues to push the boundaries of knowledge and imagination,” he added.
A major research breakthrough that was unveiled at the Exhibition Stands at the event is an IUO Petrol Minibus designed and developed by the College of Engineering for use as a project vehicle. The Vice-Chancellor explained that the second phase of the project which is ongoing, will entail the design and development of an electric minibus by the College scheduled for completion before the end of next year.
Also on exhibition, were the products of IUO Oil Palm Processing Mill which will be formally commissioned on Thursday, May 9; A collaborative project between the Central Bank of Nigeria and IUO, the Processing Mill has an installed capacity to process Palm Oil at the rate of 2Tons/hour with provision for future expansion.
Prof. Ezemonye further expressed that the challenges facing our world today are enormous, but so too is our potential to overcome them through innovation and collaboration.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director, Directorate of Research, Innovation and Grants, Prof. Adebayo Gbolade appreciated the Founder and Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada, His Excellency Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedio CFR, the Esama of Benin Kingdom for his visionary leadership, and the Management of IUO led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye for their guidance and immense contributions towards the successful organisation of this year’s IUO Innovation Day.
While delivering his lecture on “The Place of Innovation in Pioneering Excellence”, the Guest Speaker, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewale, former Minister of Health, and former Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Ibadan, stated that innovation is not a destination but a continuous journey.
“It is the spark that ignites the flame of discovery, the catalyst that propels us into new eras of understanding and capability,” Prof. Adewole posited.
“Innovation is the lifeblood of progress and excellence. It is the driving force behind economic growth, social advancement, and continuous improvement of living standards,” he maintained.
The Guest Speaker asserted that IUO envisons itself as a centre of academic excellence through teaching, research, and knowledge production tailored to meet national and global needs, adding that its vision and mission underscore the University’s commitment to fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.
