Barau urges varsities to commercialise research

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has called on Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions to prioritise research and ensure its commercialisation to strengthen their funding base and drive national development.

Barau made the call on Wednesday when he received the management of North West University, Kano, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Amina Bayero, at the National Assembly in Abuja.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the Senate Deputy President urged higher institutions to adopt global best practices by turning research outputs into marketable innovations.

The Kano lawmaker advised universities to diversify their revenue streams through the commercialisation of research findings.

“Do not leave innovations in laboratories or bookshelves. Patent them and create value from them.

“Top global institutions like Harvard, MIT and Cornell leverage research, collaborate with industries, and generate revenue through innovation. I encourage you to adopt this model,” he said.

Barau stressed that sustaining and developing universities requires collective responsibility beyond government funding.

“Maintaining and developing a university is not something that can be assured by just a single entity or person. It needs the assistance, intervention and cooperation of all,” he said, noting that even federally funded institutions still depend on external support.

He also underscored the importance of human capital development as a key driver of national growth.

“Human capital is the key driver of development globally. It is no longer about resources like petroleum or solid minerals. The number one factor of production in any nation is human capital,” he said.

The Deputy President of the Senate commended the rapid growth of North West University since its establishment in 2012 and announced the donation of a coaster bus to the institution.

Earlier, Prof. Bayero, who assumed office as Vice-Chancellor in December 2025, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the university and the office of the Deputy President of the Senate.

The VC also commended Barau for his interventions in the education sector, including scholarships, grants, and infrastructure support for tertiary institutions.

She disclosed that the university, which began with a single faculty at inception, now has 10 faculties and a student population of about 30,000.