Unilorin, NNPC parley to foster cutting-edge engineering, technology in West Africa
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The University of Ilorin and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have set up a joint strategic committee to promote collaboration between both institutions towards technology-driven research and engineering in West Africa.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun, after a meeting held between officials of the two institutions at the NNPC Towers, Abuja.
According to the statement, discussions between the two parties centred on the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the University of Ilorin, the first in West Africa.
Upon actualization, the project would be dedicated to practical engineering and technology-driven research.
Mr Akogun revealed that while the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, led the UNILORIN team to the meeting, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Engr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, led the NNPC side.
“The joint committee, which would refine the details of the partnership, is expected to report back within four weeks”, he noted.
Other members of the University of Ilorin delegation at the meeting included the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Mukhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Joshua Olaoye, among others.
