•The Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, fspsp, FNPA
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, has said that the University of Ibadan (UI) is committed to Pan Africanism.
He, therefore, called on the Pan African University to improve higher education and innovative research across Africa to achieve a goal through knowledge sharing.
He made this statement on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, at the opening ceremony of the maiden Pan African University International Conference held at the University of Ibadan.
The theme of the 3-day conference was “Strengthening Africa’s Future Through Innovative Research.”
Professor Olapegba welcomed all participants present physically and virtually and said innovative research results lead to transformation, through better understanding and knowledge of issues that are vital for the present and future generations of Africans.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, however, said innovation has been the major driver of improvement, and it remains the essential part of the African Union agenda 2063 as the world is experiencing rapid change driven by innovation and technology.
He affirmed that the conference would provide a platform for collaboration and transformation of PAU researchers’ output towards improving knowledge and learning in Africa and future generations.
The DVC stated that the focal drive of the conference would be to exchange ideas saying that by participating in this exchange, the goal of providing an effective forum for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to advance knowledge, research, and technology for the development of the African continent will be achieved.
The Rector of the Pan African University (PAU), Professor Jean Koulidiati said research innovation has a lot to contribute to the progress of African countries in addressing complex challenges, encouraging right economic growth and quality of life.
He explained that the conference was designed to seek collaborations and explore contributions towards the transformative impact of innovative research on socio-economic developments that will implement the institute’s agenda.
Professor Koulidiati said a series of events have been slated for the conference to boost research and inculcate in others a spirit of sharing their knowledge and contributions with high standard and innovative research to achieve the 2063 African agenda.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, University of Ibadan, Professor Aderonke M. Baiyeroju, who was one of the keynote speakers, suggested the need to consider how innovative research could enhance, foster collaboration, and exchange dialogues for the future of each Africa country considering their differences.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension, Kenyatta University of Agriculture, Kenya, Professor Jackson Kwanza called for a need for the PAU to partner with universities, both local and international, on innovative research to promote social and economic development in Africa.
The Rectorate of the Pan African University had preceded the conference with a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor in his office.