Lagos: Sen. Oluranti Adebule (APC-Lagos) has called on the Lagos State House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the Innovation Bill, which aims to allocate funds for research activities. Adebule, who previously served as the deputy governor of Lagos State, made this appeal during the Seventh Research and Innovation Fair at Lagos State University (LASU), held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre in Ojo.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adebule, who currently represents Lagos West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, emphasized the significant benefits the bill would bring to LASU if enacted. She stated that the bill would establish a legal framework to support research and innovation, focusing on fostering a culture of innovation in Lagos and its tertiary institutions through the quadruple helix collaboration model.
The bill proposes the creation of a research and development innovation fund to support innovation hubs, technology parks, and start-ups, while also providing incentives for doctoral and post-doctoral research. Adebule urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is also the visitor of LASU, to leverage the momentum from the LASU innovation fair to ensure ongoing development efforts are maintained.
Adebule elaborated on the quadruple helix model, describing it as a framework that highlights the collaborative relationships among government, academia, industry, and civil society. She mentioned that this model is an expansion of the Triple Helix model and involves public participation in the innovation process. Adebule emphasized the importance of strategic commitment to research, innovation, and development to fulfill LASU’s vision, noting that collaboration with industries is crucial to prevent research findings from remaining confined within academia.
Moreover, Adebule called on stakeholders, including government leaders, industry captains, academics, and community members, to engage in genuine collaboration and build an innovation ecosystem that positions Lagos and Nigeria as Africa’s economic and knowledge hub.
Earlier, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, LASU Vice Chancellor, highlighted the significance of the annual fair in translating research into tangible solutions for development. She stressed that research achieves its greatest impact when aligned with community needs and that the fair serves as a platform for partnerships and idea exchange.
Prof. Ibrahim Katampe, a speaker at the event, underscored the importance of translational research in converting basic research into practical applications that benefit society. The fair also witnessed the presence of notable figures such as Mr. David Sunmoni, the immediate past Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 12th LASU Governing Council, along with LASU management and senior staff.
