“We’re Built for Global Impact” — UI DVC Champions International Collaboration

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, has reaffirmed the institution’s growing reputation as a hub for global academic collaboration, stating that the university possesses “tremendous capacity for partnerships in research and innovation.”

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor during a courtesy visit by Professor K.S.G. Arul Kumaran, Vice-Principal of KTN College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, India, Professor Olapegba emphasized that UI is open to strengthening international ties, particularly in areas that promote qualitative research, student exchange, and joint academic development.

“UI is a research-intensive university with a vibrant postgraduate college and globally recognized faculty,” Olapegba said. “We are committed to leveraging our strengths to build strategic collaborations that advance health, science, and education globally.”

The visit, facilitated by the International Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Fellowship, marks a renewed commitment to a decade-long collaboration between the University of Ibadan and Professor Kumaran, who has hosted several UI PhD students in his laboratory over the years.

According to Professor Oluwatoyin A. Odeku, former Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and coordinator of the visit, the partnership has immense potential for expansion. “What began as a modest research link has grown into a strong academic bridge. This visit is a step toward formalizing that relationship and unlocking new research frontiers in pharmaceutical sciences.”

An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed to formalize the partnership, which will include collaboration in novel excipient development, student training, and faculty research.

During his stay, Professor Arul Kumaran will interact with faculty members and postgraduate students in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy. He is also scheduled to deliver a faculty lecture, focusing on innovative pharmaceutical research and the future of drug delivery systems.