Hakeem Fawehinmi, vice-chancellor of the University of Abuja, has stressed that Nigeria’s quest for sustainable industrial development will remain elusive without strong investment in innovative research and creativity.
Fawehinmi disclosed this on Wednesday, at the eighth undergraduate Research Day of the institution, when he emphasised that research remains a critical driver of industrial development and national growth.
Speaking on the theme: “Promoting National Development Through Research”, he emphasised that innovative research and creativity are indispensable in modern times, stressing 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.
Fawehinmi noted that events such as the research day of the University of Abuja is crucial to accentuating the role of research in driving national development.
This is bearing in mind that building a competitive industrial base requires deliberate support for homegrown ideas, technology-driven solutions, and a culture that rewards innovation
Moreover, the vice-chancellor said that innovative research and creativity remained central to industrial advancement and the expansion of knowledge across disciplines.
Sunday Ejaro, the director of Centre for Undergraduate Research, said the centre’s mission was to promote a strong research culture among undergraduate students.
Besides, he reiterated that the centre empowers students to develop solutions to national challenges, which he said the theme of 2026 edition aligns its mandate.
Ejaro further explained that the centre aims to translate students’ research findings into entrepreneurial ventures by collaborating with industry partners and the University Centre for Entrepreneurship Development.
“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
“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.
