Universities and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria have been enjoined to embrace interdisciplinary collaboration, promote innovation and translate research into practical solutions to societal challenges. The call was made at The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), during the maiden International Conference of the Consortium of Tertiary Institutions in Ondo State (COTION) on Monday October 26,2026.
Setting the tone The keynote speaker, Professor Olufemi Mimiko, a Professor of Political Science and former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko while speaking on the theme ,“Smart Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Management (STEAM): A Panacea for Sustainable Development,” urged tertiary institutions to reposition themselves as problem-solving centres by prioritising value addition, interdisciplinary collaboration and the practical application of knowledge.
He observed that universities, as vanguards of knowledge, must move beyond working in silos and adopt collaborative approaches that bring together expertise across disciplines and institutions to address complex developmental challenges.
He lamented that, despite their enormous potential, Nigerian universities were underperforming and falling short of their capacity to drive innovation, solve societal problems and contribute meaningfully to national development. He challenged the institutions to bridge the gap between knowledge generation and practical application by embracing interdisciplinary collaboration and developing solutions that respond to the country’s developmental needs.
He stressed that the relevance of higher education should not be measured solely by the generation and dissemination of knowledge but also by its capacity to translate research findings into tangible benefits for society. According to him, effective collaboration would promote knowledge exchange, improve research outcomes, encourage efficient resource utilisation and strengthen the collective contribution of tertiary institutions to national development.
Professor Mimiko stressed that Nigerian universities must be adequately and deliberately funded to drive national development through research, innovation and practical solutions to societal challenges. He noted that sustained investment in tertiary education was essential to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting technological advancement and translating knowledge into tangible development outcomes.
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, FAS, whose vision birthed the Consortium , described the conference as a significant milestone in fostering collaboration, innovation and shared responsibility among tertiary institutions in Ondo State. Professor Oladiji noted that contemporary challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, energy access, water scarcity, infrastructure deficits, public health concerns and digital transformation, required coordinated responses rather than isolated institutional efforts.
She explained that the STEAM approach integrates scientific knowledge, technological advancement, engineering, the arts and effective management to develop innovative, inclusive and sustainable solutions. She emphasised that innovation must be people-centred, sensitive to cultural realities and directed towards improving the quality of life. The Vice-Chancellor observed that tertiary institutions in Ondo State possess considerable intellectual capital and research capacity that could be harnessed to improve agricultural productivity, advance renewable energy, strengthen healthcare delivery, develop resilient infrastructure and expand digital access.
She called for research to move beyond laboratories and academic publications to influence public policy, stimulate entrepreneurship, support industry and promote community development. This, she said, required deliberate partnerships among universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, government agencies, the private sector and host communities.
The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, underscored the importance of government engagement in strengthening collaboration among tertiary institutions and advancing the contributions of education, research and innovation to sustainable development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, Professor Peter Ayodeji, explained that the conference represented an expansion of the vision behind the establishment of the Consortium of Tertiary Institutions in Ondo State. He disclosed that the initiative was conceived in 2024 by the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Oladiji, to promote collaboration, innovation and educational excellence among tertiary institutions in the state. He added that the consortium had opened up opportunities for research funding, internships, practical research applications and increased participation by young researchers and students.
Describing the maiden international conference as a significant milestone, Professor Ayodeji disclosed that more than 100 participants from private, state and federal institutions across Nigeria and beyond participated physically and virtually. Professor Ayodeji expressed confidence that the consortium, through shared expertise, joint research, resource pooling and sustained engagement with government and industry, would advance innovation and strengthen the contribution of higher education to sustainable development.
The conference featured keynote lectures, lead papers, panel discussions, technical sessions and networking opportunities designed to advance interdisciplinary research and sustainable development. Discussions covered critical sectors, including agriculture and food security, energy, water resources, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, urban development, industrial growth, healthcare, digital transformation, information and communication technology, and 21st-century education.