The vice-chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Sa’adatu Liman, says the institution is seeking collaboration from government, industry, universities, and other partners to build its innovation ecosystem.

Ms Liman stated this at a Public Lecture and Interactive Workshop held at the university in Keffi LGA on Monday.

The public lecture and workshop were organised by Triple Helix Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the university.

Ms Liman said that the programme’s theme perfectly aligned with the university’s vision and aspirations for engaging in research that would lead to innovation for economic growth.

She, however, said that building innovation ecosystems required collaboration, commitment and working together with key players to drive Nigeria’s development.

She added that this informed the university’s decision to adopt the Triple Helix as a model that emphasised collaboration between universities, industry and government to drive innovation and economic growth.

“It is in this view that the university requests the continued assistance and support from our partners, including NASENI, NITDA and Triple Helix Nigeria. This is to nurture us to a state that will make us highly enterprising.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Triple Helix as a model emphasises collaboration between universities, industry, and government to drive innovation and economic growth,” said Ms Liman.

According to her, the key strategies for achieving the model’s objectives are interdisciplinary research that encourages cross-faculty collaboration, including industry partnerships through internship development, joint research, and technology transfer.

She urged the government to enact innovation-friendly policies and funding, and advocated for an entrepreneurship culture that would promote startups and innovation hubs.

Eucharia Nwaichi thanked the vice-chancellor and management of the university for their partnership, openness, and shared commitment to advancing knowledge, which has translated into innovation, policy relevance, and societal Impact.

Ms Nwaichi is a board member of Triple Helix Nigeria and the director of academic planning, research, and control at the University of Port Harcourt.

(NAN)