UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Dr. (Mrs.) P.A.O Etejere; Eniola-Arigbe, Yetunde & Dr. (Mrs.) M. L. Ogunniyi

Abstract

University-industry collaboration (UIC) is a vital instrument for university goal achievement, innovations and technological advancement of any nation. This type of interaction between universities and industries is needed in order to bridge the gap between university output and the labour market demand. Both parties have a lot of benefits to derive from such collaboration. This type of alliance however, is not without some challenges. The study therefore, examined the challenges and prospects of university-industry collaboration in Ondo State, Nigeria. The challenges included cultural differences, unfavourable policies, lack of motivation from the government, lack of trust and confidence, leadership problems, among others. Some of the prospects arising from the university-industry collaboration were highlighted in the study. These prospects include innovation through knowledge exchange, improvement of quality of research, enhanced teaching and research, alternative research funding, skill development, opportunity to work on real life problems, among others. It was suggested that government should encourage the universities to collaborate with relevant industries for more productivity and also formulate favourable policies in support of UIC. Both the universities and industries should have mutual trust and also strike a balance in their interactions in such a way that their cultural differences will not prevent them from achieving their goals