By Uche Bibilari
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, says research remains a critical driver of industrial development and national growth.
Fawehinmi spoke at the 8th Undergraduate Research Day organised by the institution, now known as Yakubu Gowon University , through its Centre for Undergraduate Research on Wednesday in Abuja.
The research day has the theme: “Promoting National Development Through Research.”
The vice-chancellor described the event as an important platform underscoring the role of research in driving national development.
He stressed that innovative research and creativity were indispensable in modern times, noting that industrial growth globally was powered by ideas and scientific breakthroughs.
“Today is a day of intellectual harvest. Today is a day of talent identification, where we are going to know some of our modern scientists and artists.
“We want to nurture them to become world-class scientists in the near future”, he said.
According to him, the university stands on three tripod which include teaching, research and community service.
He added that innovative research and creativity remained central to industrial advancement and the expansion of knowledge across disciplines.
Fawehinmi expressed confidence that the research outcomes would strengthen the institution’s technological innovation and empowerment drive while deepening research capacity in diverse fields.
He commended the Director of the Centre and facilitators for sustaining the undergraduate research initiative.
Similarly, the Director, Centre for Undergraduate Research, Prof. Sunday Ejaro, said the centre’s mission was to promote a strong research culture among undergraduate students.
Ejaro said the centre also empowered students to develop solutions to national challenges, adding that the research day theme aligned with its mandate.
According to him, the centre aims to translate students’ research findings into entrepreneurial ventures by collaborating with industry partners and the University Centre for Entrepreneurship Development.
He explained that as part of its mandate, the centre annually invited undergraduate students to bid competitively for research grant in various thematic areas.
“In 2024/2025 academic session, six teams were awarded research grants of various amounts after a competitive bidding process.
“Today, we are gathered to listen to them as they present their research findings. This event marks a significant milestone in the continued growth and development of research culture within our university.
“Over the past year, these undergraduate students have demonstrated creativity, ingenuity and dedication in their fields of study.
“Today, we are thrilled to showcase their research findings, which reflect the diverse talents and innovative minds that are shaping the future of our academic community and beyond,” he said.
He appreciated the vice-chancellor’s support, noting that the research grant scheme had nurtured students’ curiosity, ambition and capacity for meaningful contribution to knowledge and development.
“It has provided them with the resources needed to explore ideas, challenge existing paradigms, and contribute meaningfully to both academic knowledge and societal progress.
“The students you will hear today have not only invested their time and energy into their research.
“But they are also contributing to the ongoing discourse between academia and industry, bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application,” he said.
Ejaro welcomed representatives from industry, adding that their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between academia and the wider world.
“Your engagement with our research initiatives, whether through mentorship, funding, or feedback, is crucial to ensuring that the work we do here has tangible, real-world impact,” he said.
He called on the guest to assist the university in guiding the students on how their research findings could be converted to products.
He congratulated the undergraduate students researchers on their work, adding that they had shown resilience, curiosity, and a genuine passion for knowledge.
The director encouraged the researchers as they shared their research findings to take pride in their achievements and continue to push the boundaries of research and innovation.
“You are not just representing yourselves; you are also representing the excellence of our university and the promise of future progress,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was the presentation of research findings by six undergraduate researchers.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Funmilayo Adeyemi
