The University of Ilorin has announced plans to establish a Science and Technology Park aimed at promoting innovation, attracting global talents, and strengthening collaborations between academia, industry, and government.
The initiative was unveiled during a high-level meeting held last Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the University Auditorium. The meeting was chaired by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and attended by Principal Officers, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Deans, and Directors.
In his remarks, Professor Egbewole emphasized the need for the University — described as the most sought-after institution in Nigeria — to spearhead innovative ventures. He stated that the Science and Technology Park would encourage groundbreaking ideas and establish stronger partnerships across sectors.
The Vice Chancellor revealed that preliminary efforts are already underway to provide essential infrastructure at the proposed site, including electricity supply and road construction. He also noted that the University’s Department of Architecture would play a key role in the planning and design stages.
Professor Egbewole further highlighted the Park’s potential as a major revenue-generating initiative, particularly within the frameworks of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Also speaking at the event, a visiting scholar from the Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, Professor Daniel Kitaw, presented a paper titled “Establishment of a Science and Technology Park in Ilorin, Nigeria: Fostering Innovation and Economic Growth.”
In his presentation, Professor Kitaw — who also serves as President of the AfricaLics Scientific Board — outlined a vision to transform the University of Ilorin into a hub for technological innovation and economic advancement. He described the proposed Science, Technology, and Innovation Park (STIP) as a transformative platform for converting academic research into commercially viable products and services.
Professor Kitaw recommended a hybrid strategic model, drawing lessons from global best practices. These include South Korea’s focus on reverse engineering and SME-driven growth, Egypt’s startup and talent development strategies, Japan’s emphasis on sustainable development, China’s integrated supply chain systems, and Turkey’s university-industry collaboration frameworks.
He explained that the STIP would house Techno-Parks, Science Parks, and Incubation Centers, all designed to nurture creativity, foster competitiveness, and drive technological advancement. The target sectors identified for development include manufacturing, agriculture, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), regarded as crucial to Nigeria’s economic diversification goals.
According to Professor Kitaw, successful implementation of the project could position the University of Ilorin as a fully entrepreneurial institution, promoting a culture of innovation, encouraging entrepreneurship among staff and students, and facilitating the commercialization of research outcomes.
He further outlined possible funding avenues for the project, including government support, private sector investments, international grants, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
