On the one hand, university bureaucracy
and timelines (especially in the public
sector) can massively slow down co-
operation. On the other hand, industrial
research and development is time-
sensitive, driven as it were by the need to
create products that quickly meet existing
needs.
So how do we solve these
problems?
A first step is to create platforms for
dialogue between entrepreneurs and
academia. Generally, any dialogue between
industry and universities should be based
on a clear understanding of the
comparative advantage on each side – a
foundation of shared purpose, where each
partner is clear about what assets they will
bring to the table. Each party needs to
clearly define and communicate the
purposes and expectations associated with
the collaboration.
In this regard, the organized private sector
represented by the various chambers of
commerce scattered around the country –
and other sectoral groups like the
manufacturers association of Nigeria –
have a massive role to play. Unfortunately,
these organizations are yet to wake up to
this responsibility.
It behooves the organizations representing
the organized private sector to open lines
of communication if the whole process is
to succeed. Using this template,
universities and industries which are
actively researching for partners should
not find it difficult to locate such partners.
On their part, universities in Nigeria must
as a matter of urgency, expand their
understanding of the needs of industry and
link these needs to academically sourced
solutions.
On the part of education policy makers,
there should be an emphasis on industry-
focused degree programs, at all academic
levels. Policies should be aimed at
facilitating increased dialogue between
industry and universities in Nigeria.
Conclusions
It is obviously clear that improving the
linkages between universities and industry
in Nigeria is a win-win situation. The
company gains up-to-date expertise and a
network of contacts in academia. The
university obtains reality-based knowledge
and connections to the business sector.
The graduates of these institutions get a
degree and gain research-related work
experience at the same time.
Beyond improving innovation and socio-
economic development in Nigeria,
Universities can also increase their global
rankings while attracting foreign talent to
study in Nigeria. On way to do this is for
universities to develop frameworks for
tracking alumni who have joined the world
of business. Few universities have
databases for their students‘ linkages to the