The Oyo State Government is set to partner with the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies, University of Ibadan [UI] to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) in accelerating the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across the state.
The State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Commerce and Cooperatives, Chief Adebisi Adeniyi, expressed the readiness while playing host to the UI lecturers who paid him a visit at his office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The Marketing and Consumer Studies lecturers were led by the Head of Department, Dr. Samuel Orekoya, an Associate Professor.
Other academics present during the visit included Dr. Oluseyi Ajayi, Dr. Philip Ogunode, Dr. Adeola Ayodele, Dr. Oluwakemi Oreagba, and Mrs. Ibukun Joledo. Dr. Orekoya said the visit was to strengthen collaboration with the state government ahead of a departmental symposium.
Receiving the academics, the Commissioner emphasised the need for a sustainable partnership between the government and the University.
“We have a lot to achieve together beyond a one-day event. If this initiative is to be sustainable, we must focus on training and equipping our staff so they can support SMEs effectively,” he said.
Adeniyi further noted that the partnership should evolve into a structured framework that supports continuous learning and engagement. This relationship must go beyond this programme. It should serve as a foundation for a long-term collaboration that delivers real economic value. On behalf of the government, I assure you of our readiness to partner fully,” he added.
He also reiterated the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts investment and supports enterprise growth.
Earlier, Dr. Oluseyi Ajayi disclosed that the academics came to intimate the state government of the symposium scheduled for July 16, 2026, themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Business Survival and Expansion in the Knowledge Economy.”
The academic said the initiative reflects a deliberate effort to deepen the “town-and-gown” model, where academic institutions contribute directly to economic development.
According to him, the programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and real-sector application, while strengthening the capacity of SMEs to adapt to emerging technological trends.
He noted that SMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, particularly in Oyo State, stressing that integrating AI into business operations would unlock new opportunities for growth and sustainability.
“In 2024, we began working with the Ministry to support SMEs, and this is a continuation of that effort. Our goal is to ensure that businesses in Oyo State are not left behind in the global shift toward AI-driven economies,” Ajayi said.
He added that the department is committed to moving beyond theoretical teaching to practical interventions that deliver measurable impact.
“We are focused on translating academic knowledge into real economic value. This partnership is about equipping SMEs with the tools and insights needed to survive and expand in a competitive environment,” he said.
Dr. Ajayi reiterated the department’s readiness to sustain the collaboration and ensure that the initiative translates into tangible benefits for SMEs.
“This is just the beginning of a stronger partnership. We are committed to ensuring that this collaboration delivers measurable impact and contributes to economic development in Oyo State,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr. Dayo Bello, consultant and founder of Global Sight Services Limited, pointed out that digital capacity building, particularly in AI and user interface design, remains a pathway to global competitiveness.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, said the state government had prioritised SMEs as a critical driver of economic growth, noting that several support initiatives were already in place.
According to him, ongoing efforts include financial interventions targeting about 100 SMEs, aimed at strengthening business operations and stimulating economic activity.
“SMEs are central to our development agenda. The government is committed to providing the necessary support and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” he said.
