LURIN Project Begins

The project of Linking University Research and Industry in Nigeria (LURIN) has formally commenced. LURIN, a novel initiative of AIAE, is a project geared towards development and implementation of a programme for fostering and establishment of sustainable institutional arrangements for linking university research and private enterprise (agriculture, industry, business and others).

The Research Consultation Seminar to herald the project was held on the 30th of August 2011 at the Princess Alexandria Unity Hall and Theatre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The collaborating Institutions include, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN), African Technology Policy Studies Network, Nairobi, (ATPS), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, (ATBU) and Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). There are indications that other universities in Nigeria will still join.

Professor Eric Eboh in his remarks at the seminar said the objectives of the programme include; exploring of global best practices in linking university research, innovations and industry and the implications and lessons for Nigeria, increase understanding and appreciation of the weaknesses, gaps and challenges in the existing systems of linking university research, innovations and industry in Nigeria and define actionable steps, timed schedule and shared responsibilities for the implementation of the institutional arrangement among others.

The chairman at the Seminar, Engineer Chris Okoye, who also represented the Organised Private Sector (OPS), commended the Institute for the project, saying it would go a long way to enhance the local content initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Vice Chancellor of UNN, represented by Professor K.P Baiyeri, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture expressed the commitment of the University to the project while ATBU Vice Chancellor represented by Professor Mohammed Abubakar, FUTO Vice Chancellor, represented by Dr. Chris C. Eze, and representative of ATPS, Dr. Nicholas Ozor and Professor Obioma Njoku, the principal contact for the project in UNN, all promised to give it necessary support.