3RD D-8 NPRI SUMMIT Delegates commend Unilorin’s Sterling Contributions to D-8's Development

 

A delegation at the just concluded 3^rd Summit of the D-8 Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D-8 NPRI) have commended the University of Ilorin on making an indelible mark in the annals of the Network despite joining the organisation recently.

The Director of Administrative, Legal and Internal Issues of the Developing Eight Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8), Mr. Ahmar Ismail, who spoke on behalf of the delegates from the eight countries that make up the D-8, stated this recently at a press briefing at the Council Chamber of the University of Ilorin on the sidelines of the Summit hosted by the University between November 24 and 27, 2024

Mr Ahmar noted that the University of Ilorin, with over 50,000 students, is one of Nigeria's leading and oldest universities. He commended the institution's remarkable initiative in hosting the D-8 countries and steering them towards adopting the charter. The diplomat, who acknowledged UNILORIN's contributions since joining the D-8 NPRI, noted that its efforts would always be remembered in the history of the Network.

Mr Ahmar, who previously served as the Consul-General at the Pakistan Consulate in Birmingham, UK, stated that once the Network is fully established and operational, it would generate significant momentum through the collaborative efforts of the 28 member-universities. These institutions would communicate and collaborate in areas of research and innovation, leveraging their comparative strengths across the D-8 countries to achieve efficient progress.

The eight countries that make up the D-8 NPRI are Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. Apart from the University of Ilorin, six other Nigerian universities are also members of the Network. They are: Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto; Bayero University, Kano, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahamadu Bello University, Zaria and the University of Maiduguri.

Earlier in his remarks during the opening session of the Summit, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, expressed the institution's delight at being part of the initiative and hosting the Summit, especially as the University was the newest member of the Network.

 

Prof. Egbewole also acknowledged the support of the Ambassador of Bangladesh and the Consular Officer from Indonesia, pointing out that their presence affirmed the commitment  of the member countries to the Network's vision.

He noted that in 2020, the organisation resolved to focus on research and innovation, leading to the establishment of the D-8 Network for Pioneering Research and Innovation (NPRI), adding that the Network currently has 28 member universities across the eight member countries.

The Vice Chancellor revealed that the Summit deliberated on the D-8 NPRI Charter, which is expected to be adopted as the 'Ilorin Charter'. He noted that the Charter would outline how members relate with one another, operate, and shape the Network's future while creating a roadmap for members' engagement.