The University of Lagos has said that it is open to partnership with the industry.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, made this known while receiving the Group Managing Director – West Africa, Schlumberger (SLB), Sopiribo “Sops” Ideriah, and his team, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola. The team, led by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Obanishola Sadiq, was received at the 11th Floor of the Senate House on Monday, April 17, 2023
Prof. Atsenuwa warmly welcomed the Team and thanked Mr. Ideriah for returning to the University to partner with his alma mater. She noted that the partnership move was in line with the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of building a future-ready university.
According to her, the University is open to industry partnership, high impact research collaborations between industry and the University as well as opportunities for faculty members to spend time in the industry to acquire up-to-date industry experience for use in the classrooms.
She pointed out that students in Faculty of Education especially those in Education Technology (Edu-Tech) should be incorporated into job fairs, as these students are the ones who would train the next generation of engineers, secondary students who might aspire to be engineers, among others. The DVC (DS) noted that their engagement/participation in job fairs and industry knowledge will help in building skills, capacities, expertise and requisite knowledge in Engineering.
Prof. Atsenuwa disclosed that University which is open to collaboration in the areas of innovation, currently has a design studio and several hubs, among others which are into process-led innovation. She also stated that the University is interested in industry experts holding sessions with students either physically or virtually where industry knowledge and practices can be shared.
In response, Mr. Ideriah mentioned that Schlumberger remains big on innovation and digital learning, as well as building of software and applications, all geared towards solving Nigeria’s problems.
While reminiscing on his sojourn through the four walls of the University of Lagos and the doors which have opened to him by virtue of his graduating from UNILAG, Mr. Ideriah said that he and his team were in the University to discuss avenues to collaborate more with the University.
He hinted that the company had plants to set up digital labs with VR (virtual reality), for research purposes and upgradable.
According to him, SLB is open to providing placement for students, academic staff and technologists in the university. SLB has cutting edge tools and engages in best practices which it is open to sharing with University of Lagos.
Country Director, SLB Nigeria, Mr. Nelson Wilbert, also mentioned that SLB would look into incorporating Education Technology students in its plans to ensure that they get adequate training on engineering concepts and processes, as they are indeed vital in raising the next generation of engineers.
The visit was brought to a close with taking of group photographs.
