BUILDING A VERTICAL FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL GROWTH

My first visit to Rivers State University (RSU) offers a timely opportunity to recognize the State Government and university staff for their dedication to cultivating knowledge since the institution’s inception in 1980. Originally founded as the Rivers State College of Technology in 1972, RSU has become a distinguished institution with alumni that include Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Governors Seriake Dickson and Nyesom Wike, and prominent former and current ministers. It is indeed a breeding ground for individuals of “timber and caliber,” as the late Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe would say.

Having spent over three decades navigating both industry and academia, my journey—from teaching in 1988, moving into Shell in 1993, joining NLNG in 2012, working at Shell's Netherlands headquarters, to my current role as President of the Nigerian University of Technology and Management—has highlighted for me the transformative potential of industry-academic partnerships. When properly harnessed such collaborations not only address pressing societal needs but fuel economic, social, and cultural growth.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TOWN-GOWN COLLABORATION

"Town-Gown" encapsulates the dynamic relationship between academic institutions (the "Gown") and the broader society (the "Town"). It highlights that universities are not insular entities; they are fundamental drivers in a knowledge-based economy. This relationship is a cornerstone for resolving critical issues, especially in development-driven societies like Nigeria's. As shown in regions like the United States and Europe, academic-industry alliances are vital, delivering mutual benefits by transforming research into real-world applications. However, Nigeria's experience has been subpar, marred by low investments in research (less than 0.2% of GDP, compared to the recommended 1-2%).

The current divide is exacerbated by industry’s perception of academic research as too theoretical, while academia often views industry as profit-centric and less concerned with societal benefits. For Nigeria to harness the full potential of its academic institutions, industries must engage actively, investing not only financially but through meaningful partnerships that align research agendas with industry needs. Effective Town-Gown collaboration has the power to elevate Nigeria's global competitiveness and resolve local challenges.

Examples of Missed Opportunities

Nigeria faces longstanding challenges that could benefit from effective academia-industry partnerships. For example, oil pollution has devastated the Niger Delta. While Nigerian universities have conducted research on pollution control, there is insufficient collaboration with oil companies to implement these solutions. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) study on the Ogoni oil spill provides a glaring example, as it involved minimal input from Nigerian universities directly, reflecting a missed opportunity. Similarly, Nigeria’s food scarcity and outdated farming methods are critical issues. Institutions like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have developed sustainable practices, yet a disconnect remains between these advancements and on-the-ground application. In contrast, countries like Malaysia and Israel have effectively partnered with universities to leverage research into practical agricultural success.

From housing deficits to road infrastructure and energy supply, Nigeria’s academic and industrial sectors must come together to address these pressing issues including pioneering low-cost housing designs, innovative road construction methods, and affordable renewable energy solution.

Moving Toward a Knowledge Economy

As Nigeria navigates a shifting global economy, there is an urgent need to transition from a resource-dependent model to a knowledge-based one. The emerging Knowledge Economy values intellectual capital—innovation, research, and expertise—over physical resources. Leading global companies today, such as Apple, Tesla, and Amazon, are powered by intellectual assets rather than raw materials, reinforcing the importance of knowledge over traditional industries. For Nigeria, moving towards a knowledge economy requires academia to assume a more prominent role, driving solutions and equipping future leaders with critical thinking skills.

Global Examples of Town-Gown Success

UK Universities and AstraZeneca: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the collaboration between the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca produced a vaccine that saved millions of lives.

Stanford University and Silicon Valley: Stanford’s support for local entrepreneurship created Silicon Valley, a global hub for technology and innovation.

Stellenbosch University and South Africa’s Wine Industry: Through innovative grape-growing research, Stellenbosch University transformed South Africa into a leading wine exporter, generating jobs and boosting the economy.

These cases exemplify how academia can directly impact society, driving innovation and economic growth.  

Rivers State University’s Unique Role

RSU is ideally positioned to become a leader in such collaborative ventures. Situated in the Niger Delta, Nigeria’s oil-producing region, RSU is strategically placed to foster impactful research that addresses local and national challenges. Its mission to blend science, technology, and innovation aligns with the pressing needs of the nation.

RSU has already demonstrated its capacity to address real-world issues through collaborations with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and local farming communities. However, RSU’s potential impact could be exponentially expanded through focused partnerships in key areas:

Agriculture: RSU could drive agricultural innovation by working with local farmers on sustainable practices and crop variety development, boosting food security.

Renewable Energy: With the Niger Delta’s energy needs in mind, RSU could explore solar, wind, and decentralized energy solutions, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

Security: By partnering with security agencies, RSU could develop predictive policing tools and community-oriented security solutions to combat regional crime.

Public Health: RSU could partner with health ministries and international organizations to improve healthcare access and promote preventive measures.

Proposed Strategies for Advancing Town-Gown Initiatives at RSU

To unlock RSU’s potential in town-gown collaboration, I propose the following strategies:

Establish a Town-Gown Council: Comprised of university officials, industry leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders, this council would set priorities, secure funding, and monitor progress on key societal challenges.

Create an Entrepreneurship Centre: By supporting the commercialization of research outputs, RSU can drive societal impact and generate revenue.

Leverage Professorial Chairs: Expand the role of professorial chairs funded by oil companies to drive interdisciplinary research and practical solutions.

Develop a Campus-Industry Hub: Attract companies to establish satellite offices on campus, creating regular opportunities for academia-industry collaboration.

Recognize Faculty Contributions: Establish awards for faculty members who excel in fostering town-gown partnerships, encouraging research with practical applications. Promotions of faculty should include elements of research commercialization,

A Vision beyond RSU.

 In a world where knowledge is becoming the new cornerstone of development, African Universities must seize the moment to become a driver of innovation and societal advancement. Globally, universities are proving that research and academic expertise can transform lives. The challenge for African academic institutions—is to turn intellectual capital into practical, scalable solutions.

As Nelson Mandela wisely remarked, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” African Universities must embody this spirit, recognizing that while challenges like funding and infrastructure are real, they are not insurmountable. By setting bold targets, cultivating partnerships, and committing to impactful research, African