The Nigeria Computer Society and Obafemi Awolowo University have implored ICT stakeholders to take advantage of the World Bank sponsored OAU technology driven park, by building capacity in Park
Speaking at the one day Academia – Industry Interface Conference, Professor G.A Aderoumu, President, Nigeria Computer Society, said that, the park will provide the launch pad for start-up companies borne out of university research activities, and collaboration with partnering ICT companies, who will have the competitive advantage of proximity and direct access to the intellectual infrastructure and output of the university.
He stressed that World Bank earmarked eight million usd for the setting up of the park, which is 75% completed.
He noted that the park aims to create a regionally-recognized and acknowledged model that is driven by high quality postgraduate education for uptake and commercialization of research and technology to advance the growth of ICT industry.
Aderoumu stated that the park will ensure systematic incubation of research ideas and products from Obafemi Awolowo University and other partner HEIs such that the creative/innovative energy of the teeming youths in Nigeria and the sub-region is harnessed into ICT entrepreneurial endeavors using appropriate skill enhancing training and mentoring.
Prof.Eyitope Ogunbodede, vice chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, speaking at the event said that the reason for the partnership is for ICT professional to come to the school and train students on the practical aspect of the study.
He noted that the park will be an ICT training hub in software engineering for Nigeria and other countries in the sub-region.
Ogunbodede, added that the park will produce the next generation of scientists, researchers, teachers, entrepreneurs and product developers in the area of ICT through appropriate practice-anchored capacity building measures and enrolling new postgraduate students from Nigeria and the sub-region.
Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, Pro-chancellor, OAU, said that the centre is actively providing launch pad platform for new tech companies.
He added that the one day Academia – Industry Interface Conference is the beginning of a series of engagement between OAU and their industry partners.
He reiterated the need for more ICT companies to take advantage of the OAU technology driven park, by building capacity in Park.