NUC urges stronger inter-university collaboration as KU8+ Consortium champions innovation in higher education
By Mahmood Olayinka Alaya
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, has urged universities across the country to embrace strategic collaboration as a tool for advancing learning, research, and innovation.
Represented by a former Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Adebola Babatunde Ekanola, Professor Ribadu made the call at the 3rd KU8+ International Conference, held at the Mini Convocation Arena of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, under the theme: “Innovation and Sustainability of Higher Education in a Changing World.”
The NUC boss applauded the KU8+ Consortium, a partnership of higher institutions in Kwara State for pioneering a model of synergy that enhances teaching, research, and community development.
He described the initiative as one worthy of emulation nationwide.
“ This is the type of collaboration we need in Nigerian higher education. The NUC is proud to support such sustained partnerships and urges universities in other states to take a cue from Kwara”, he said.
Delivering her goodwill message, Kwara State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening tertiary institutions through strategic investments, digital inclusion, and education policy reform.
“ The KU8+ Consortium is proof that collaboration breeds excellence. Kwara State Government, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, continues to invest in education in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, she said.
She commended KWASU for hosting the conference and for its leadership in academic innovation and entrepreneurship-driven education.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of KWASU’s Governing Council and Chairman of the occasion, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, lauded the KU8+ initiative, saying it demonstrates a progressive model of sharing knowledge, resources, and intellectual capital for the collective advancement of Kwara’s university system.
In his welcome remarks, KWASU Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, described the event as a “landmark moment” in the university’s pursuit of excellence.
“ The theme is not only timely, it is essential. In a world shaped by rapid innovation and evolving educational models, universities must remain resilient by embracing change,” he said.
He noted that the conference builds on discussions from the second edition, which emphasized university-industry partnerships as a pillar for sustainable development.
The Chairman of the KU8+ Consortium and Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulwahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), echoed similar sentiments, stressing that “no university can thrive in isolation.”
“ The future of Nigerian universities lies in partnership, sharing resources, research, and teaching. This conference is a step in the right direction”, Egbewole said.
While welcoming the participants to the international conference, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) and Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Olubukola Christianah Dada, described the gathering as a pan-African intellectual hub committed to advancing locally relevant and globally impactful solutions.
“ This conference comes at a critical time for Africa, and the KU8+ Consortium is well-positioned to lead the charge for innovative, sustainable solutions in higher education,” she said.
The conference brought together academics, policymakers, researchers, and education stakeholders from within and beyond the state to chart a sustainable path for universities in the face of rapid technological and societal changes.
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