Closing the gap between research and impact took the centre stage at Lagos State University on Monday, 1st June 2026, as scholars and experts gathered for the June edition of the Faculty of Science Monthly Lecture Series to examine pathways for transforming scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. The lecture, held at the New Science Complex, Hall 1, was delivered by Professor Oluwafemi Omoniyi OGUNTIBEJU , a professor of Biomedical Science and Group Leader, Phytomedicine and Phytochemistry Group, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Cape Town, South Africa.Prior to the lecture, the Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor Anthony OJEKALE , alongside other faculty members, led the guest lecturer on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola OLATUNJI-BELLO , mni, NPOM, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Oluwatoyin ENIKUOMEHIN .
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor ENIKUOMEHIN reaffirmed LASU’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research and community service, while emphasising the importance of international collaborations, strategic partnerships, global visibility and improved research funding. In his remarks, Professor Oguntibeju commended Lagos State University’s achievements, and expanding international profile, expressing optimism about deeper academic collaboration between LASU and CPUT. He noted that such partnerships would strengthen knowledge exchange, research capacity and innovation-driven development.
Delivering his lecture, Professor Oluwafemi Omoniyi OGUNTIBEJU, stressed that the value of research lies not only in publication, but also in its ability to generate practical solutions and economic impact. He outlined the stages of innovation development from basic research to commercialisation and highlighted the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework as a key tool for assessing innovation maturity.The scholar noted that despite the large volume of research produced by universities, only a small percentage reaches the marketplace. He identified inadequate funding, weak industry partnerships, limited technology transfer structures and regulatory challenges as major barriers to research commercialisation.To bridge the gap, he advocated stronger collaboration between universities and industry, the establishment of functional innovation hubs, and technology transfer offices, increased venture capital investment and supportive government policies.
The lecture featured an interactive question-and-answer session moderated by Professor Gbemisola Morenike *SAIBU* and concluded with the presentation of an award to Professor Oguntibeju in recognition of his contributions to research and innovation.The event reinforced the need for stronger collaboration among academia, industry and government to ensure that research outcomes translate into meaningful societal and economic development.We are LASU, We are Great!
