By Adeyinka Adeniran
The University of Ibadan is concluding arrangement to collaborate the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology on the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) to ameliorate climate change problems in research.
Speaking while receiving representatives of the Ministry who visited to consolidate plans for the collaboration, the Vice-Chancellor of the UI, Professor Kayode Adebowale said the programme was a welcome initiative, noting that climate change problems require a multidisciplinary approach to be solved.
He appreciated the representative of the ministry for coming to UI adding that the University was the right choice for collaboration in academic research and innovation in Nigeria, given its antecedents.
He noted that the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme is a town-gown initiative, saying it is imperative for academics, research and industries, organisations, SMEs, and NGOs to collaborate for mutual benefits.
The Vice-Chancellor said UI has the structure to adequately drive strategic partnerships, disclosing that the university runs on structures and a committee system that is needed to channel the initiative and coordinate strategic partnerships.
Professor Adebowale emphasized that GCIP is a university-wide programme which is relevant to different stakeholders, faculties and research centres in the university, therefore, the UI management will ensure that the ministry handshakes properly with relevant units to promote more strategic qualitative research.
The representative of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Abuja, Mr Ifeobu Ezenwa said the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) is an initiative led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
According to Mr Ezenwa, the primary goal of GCIP is to promote cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets and developing economies to address climate change challenges.
He said the aim of the programme is to accelerate cleantech innovation, support early-stage startups and SMEs in developing innovative cleantech solutions, foster sustainable development, strengthen innovation ecosystems, build capacities of national institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders to create a supportive environment for cleantech innovation.
He explained that the programme seeks to identify and support innovators, SME’s and researchers who are tremendously involved in research in the university and help them to overcome challenges of taking their research output to the market.
According to him, these challenges are occasioned by insufficient funds and unfavorable policies and regulations, amongst other factors.
He disclosed that the benefits of the programme include funding opportunities, business acceleration services, training, mentorship, networking opportunities, investor connections, and capacity building.
