The Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) and Dominion University, Ibadan, have agreed to deepen collaboration on internship, research and students’ development as part of efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
The commitment was made when the Acting Chairman of Oyo NES, Professor Oluwakemi Bolaji Okuwa, led a delegation of the society on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Dominion University, Professor Abel Olajide Olorunnisola, at the institution.
Speaking during the visit, Olorunnisola reiterated the university’s commitment to experiential learning, stressing that practical industry exposure remains an integral part of university education.
The VC said the institution encourages students, particularly those in the 200 and 300 levels, to undertake internships and field experience to complement classroom learning and enhance their employability.
“We encourage our students to go for internships and ensure that those at 200 and 300 levels have field experience. We will be partners in progress and work together to make this department more viable,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
He said the partnership would expose students to current industry practices, broaden their professional networks and enhance their employability.
Earlier, Prof. Okuwa said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the university and the professional body in the areas of internship, collaborative research, professional induction, capacity building and students’ development.
Okuwa also urged the university’s Economics lecturers and students to participate in the society’s September conference.
She disclosed that members of the university’s Economics Department would enjoy rebates on membership and participation in the society’s activities as part of efforts to encourage greater involvement of students and academics in professional economic engagements.
The Acting Chairman added that the partnership would also provide opportunities for joint academic programmes and participation in the society’s forthcoming conference.
“We are committed to working together for the advancement of Economics students through stronger collaboration and professional engagement,” she said.
Members of the Vice-Chancellor’s management team at the meeting included a member of the university’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Jonah Akoun; the Bursar, Mr. Olanrewaju Somefun; the Principal Academic Planning Officer, Dr. S.O. Agboola; the Assistant Registrar, Mr. T.S. Abodunrin; and the Admissions Officer, Mr. Bamigboye.
The Oyo NES delegation also included the Financial Secretary, Dr. Florence Oyebamiji; the Public Relations Officer, Rotimi Agboluaje; and Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Dr. Samuel Ochinyabo.
Both organisations expressed optimism that the partnership would strengthen internship opportunities, promote research excellence, advance student development and foster stronger links between academia and the economics profession.
