Lagos—Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, has called for a radical overhaul of Nigeria’s university research system, emphasizing that innovation is crucial for national development.
Speaking at the inaugural Research, Innovation, and Development Fair of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) on Tuesday, the senator stressed that universities must align with global technological trends to remain competitive.
“The future of Nigeria’s economy depends on our ability to re-imagine, re-engineer, and reinvigorate research in our universities,” Abiru said.
“From artificial intelligence to biotechnology, renewable energy, and digital finance, the pace of global change demands that our educational institutions act as engines of innovation.”
The fair, themed “Rebuilding Nigeria’s Research and University System in a Fast-Changing Global Environment,” highlighted the critical role of universities in fostering knowledge-driven industries.
Abiru praised LASUSTECH for creating a platform that encourages collaboration between academia and industry, citing international models such as Silicon Valley, Germany’s research–industry synergy, and South Korea’s university–government–industry partnerships.
Bringing attention to homegrown initiatives, the senator spotlighted the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu, which he founded alongside his wife, Feyisola, under the SAIL Empowerment Foundation.
The lab equips young Nigerians with digital, technological, and entrepreneurial skills, producing software engineers, data scientists, and startup founders who are making national and international impact.
“SAIL proves that when given the right tools and platform, Nigerian youths can excel and innovate at global standards,” he said, urging universities to build similar frameworks that convert research into practical solutions for challenges in food security, urbanisation, energy, healthcare, transportation, and digital transformation.
Abiru, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, reiterated his commitment to supporting legislation that strengthens research ecosystems, enhances university capacities, promotes digital entrepreneurship, and expands funding opportunities for startups.
“Nigeria has the potential to innovate at scale and build research-driven industries,” he said. “But this requires deliberate collaboration between academia, industry, and government.”
The Vice-Chancellor of LASUSTECH, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, and Chief Francis Meshioye, President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), urged participants to explore innovation opportunities, noting the example set by the SAIL Innovation Lab as a model for turning research into impactful solutions.
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