NSPRI Chief Urges FUNAAB to Boost Innovation and Commercialize Research
The Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Prof. Lateef Sanni, has underscored the vital importance of creativity and innovation in tackling complex national issues, particularly in the fields of agriculture, health, and technology. He made these remarks while delivering the inaugural keynote lecture at a strategic retreat organized by the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in Ogun State.
Keynote Lecture Highlights Research Evolution
Prof. Sanni's lecture, titled "World Class Research Institute – Innovation & Collaboration Focus," was part of a retreat held at the IFSERAR Livestock Laboratory. The event brought together academic staff, researchers, and key stakeholders, featuring two keynote lectures aimed at enhancing institutional research impact and global competitiveness. The program was designed to advance research capacity, foster innovation, promote collaboration, and drive technology commercialization within the institute and the broader university community.
In his presentation, Prof. Sanni noted that impactful research depends on access to adequate resources and modern infrastructure. He reflected on the evolution of research practices in Nigeria, from limited information systems to the increasing adoption of digital tools and emerging technologies. As the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Development at FUNAAB, he emphasized the necessity for researchers to adopt innovative approaches to solve contemporary problems.
Interconnected Sectors and Global Benchmarks
Prof. Sanni highlighted the interconnectedness of various sectors, pointing out that advancements in agriculture directly influence public health. He cited examples such as crop improvement, animal breeding, and biofortification initiatives like yellow cassava, stressing their contributions to improved nutrition outcomes. Drawing comparisons with leading global institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he identified three key pillars for building world-class research institutions: high-quality human capital, well-equipped innovation laboratories, and strong international collaborations.
A recipient of the prestigious Honorary Doctor of Science Degree from Greenwich University in the United Kingdom, Prof. Sanni also identified a major gap in Nigeria's academic landscape: inadequate patenting and commercialization of research outputs. He urged scholars to prioritize translating research findings into marketable solutions to address national challenges effectively.
University Leadership and Strategic Alignment
While declaring the retreat open, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Development, Prof. Olawale Dairo, described the initiative as timely and strategic. He noted that the retreat aligns with the university's core mandate, emphasizing the need for research to move beyond theoretical contributions and address pressing national and global challenges. He reaffirmed management's commitment to supporting research initiatives and encouraged scholars to intensify efforts in attracting both local and international grants.
Multidisciplinary Approaches and Partnerships
The second keynote lecture, titled "Understanding the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of Nigeria," and covering the mandate, organization, resources, and programs of IFSERAR, was delivered by former IFSERAR Director Prof. Olusegun Osinowo. He emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and cross-sectoral partnerships in advancing research and development. According to him, meaningful progress can only be achieved through collaboration among government, academia, and industry.
Prof. Osinowo, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Sophie Academy, stressed the need for partnerships at international, national, institutional, and industrial levels to facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and increased research impact. He expressed concern over the limited awareness of available academic resources among researchers and students, calling for improved access and sensitization.
Reflections on Past Successes and Future Directions
Reflecting on past successes, Prof. Osinowo noted that industry partnerships previously supported young researchers through sponsorships, but such initiatives have declined over time. He reiterated the importance of accountability and feedback mechanisms in sustaining effective collaborations, noting that clearly defined objectives and transparent frameworks are essential for long-term success. He encouraged institutions to explore global opportunities, such as international fellowships and innovation hubs, as avenues for strengthening research capacity, enhancing visibility, and attracting funding.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Osinowo urged universities to prioritize sustainable partnership models, invest in innovation, and actively engage stakeholders across sectors. He emphasized that such efforts are critical to achieving research excellence and global relevance.
Institutional Milestones and Achievements
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of IFSERAR, Prof. Kazeem Bello, described the retreat as a significant milestone in the institute's 16-year journey toward attaining world-class status. He explained that the initiative reflects a collective resolve to strengthen research capacity and reposition the institute for greater global relevance. Prof. Bello highlighted that sustained institutional support has led to improved infrastructure, enhanced staff morale, and renewed commitment to research and development.
He added that these efforts have yielded tangible outcomes, including the successful hosting of the institute's maiden international conference on Climate Smart Agriculture, revitalization of cocoa and oil palm projects, and notable improvements in crop production initiatives.
