The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) played host to the third summit of 28 universities from eight different countries as part of the D8 Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D8NPRI).
The D8 member countries, which include Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Turkey, and Malaysia, gathered at the summit to strengthen collaboration and improve multi-disciplinary research efforts that would benefit all members and their communities.
During the opening session of the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole SAN, delivered an address titled “Networking and Collaborating for Development.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving development and expressed optimism that discussions among member countries would pave the way for meaningful networking and collaboration opportunities in the future.
Professor Egbewole highlighted the significance of leveraging technology and addressing emerging issues such as Artificial Intelligence, gene editing, quantum computing, and other transformative ideas that are shaping the world.
As the University of Ilorin, known for being the most sought-after university in Nigeria with the highest number of foreign students, joins the D8 Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation, the new partnership is set to shape the future of participating universities.
The collaboration between these universities will involve student and lecturer exchanges, joint research projects, and curriculum development aimed at creating youth employment opportunities for university graduates.
The summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Ilorin charter, which will outline how the network of 28 universities will collaborate and operate to shape the future of the Network and create a roadmap for all future engagements.
