The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI) Research Fair – “iResearch,” organized by the College Research and Innovation Management (CRIM) unit, in charge of research initiatives at CoMUI has bounced back. The two-day programme, themed “Innovation Research: In and Out of the Box” held at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre on Tuesday, 22 and Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
The first iResearch fair took place in 2016. Following this, iResearch took place annually until 2019. iResearch had been suspended since 2020 in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic which broke out in 2019.
The iResearch initiative which bounced back in style with renewed vigour brought together the management teams of CoMUI and the University College Hospital (UCH), researchers, academics, administrators and other members of the College community to stimulate and promote innovative thinking, research collaboration and the translation of research into meaningful innovations.
The first day featured an Innovation Workshop and Hackathon, organized in collaboration with Odua Southwest Innovation and Technology Company Limited (SWIT), while the second day was dedicated to the celebration of research and innovation. The CoMUI iResearch fair provided a unique opportunity to showcase innovative research from CoMUI and UCH, Ibadan.
Dignitaries in attendance were Professor T. O. Ogundiran, Provost, CoMUI; Professor S. B. Olaleye, Deputy Provost; Professor T. A. Lawal, Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences; Mr A. E. Odedele, Deputy Registrar and Secretary to the College represented by Mr. A. O. Adedayo; and Professor Adesola Olumide, Director, CRIM, among others. Also in attendance were members of the CoMUI and UCH communities, including pioneer Director of CRIM, Dr. A. O. Adebiyi, other deans of faculties, directors of institutes, heads of departments/units, teaching and non-teaching staff, representatives of collaborators, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students.
In his welcome address as the Chairman, the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Professor T. O. Ogundiran, appreciated CRIM for organising the innovation workshop and hackathon in collaboration with SWIT. He described the workshop as essential for advancing research and encouraged staff to participate actively in it while highlighting the College’s three core roles of teaching and training, research and community service.
The Provost pointed out that research drives progress as researchers identify challenges, ask questions and develop solution, thereby contributing to policy and improving established practices. He noted that many advances in practice had resulted from research. He concluded that research is vital to progress and that everyone has a role to play.
Among the thought-provoking and stimulating lectures delivered during the workshop were “Research that Has Real-World Impact,” delivered by the guest lecturer, Professor Dike Ojji, Professor of Medicine and Preventive Cardiology at the College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Director, Institute of Advance Medical Research and Training and Lead Investigator of the Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Abuja; “Supporting Research in the University of Ibadan,” by the Director, CRIM, Professor Adesola Olumide; “Innovation in Administration,” by the Secretary to the College, Mr A. E. Odedele; "Presentation from the Maiden Edition of the academic writing sprint (iWrite)” delivered by by Dr. S. T. Shittu, the group lead for one of the iWrite groups; and “How to Monetise Your Research,” The innovation workshop and hackathon were anchored by Mr Oluwamayowa Osidero and Miss AnjolaJesu Olakanmi of the Odua Southwest Innovation and Technology Company Limited (SWIT).
Professor Adesola Olumide, Director, CRIM in a lecture titled “Supporting Research in the University of Ibadan – Role of the Research Management Office,” highlighted the importance of effective research management in advancing knowledge, innovation and societal development. She explained that the research management office provides critical support to researchers through all phases of the research cycle. This includes dissemination of funding opportunities, guidance with grant applications, capacity-building, fostering of collaborations and institutional processes, while also promoting research visibility and innovation.
Professor Olumide identified limited funding, bureaucratic and administrative challenges, inadequate research infrastructure and capacity gaps among the constraints affecting effective research support. She stressed the need for stronger institutional structures, improved research management systems and greater collaboration among researchers, university management, and external stakeholders to enhance an enabling environment for research, enhance access to funding and maximise the impact and visibility of research from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.
As part of the hackathon, 17 teams of participants engaged in a session of rigorous brainstorming during which they applied information presented during the workshop. Each team worked on an innovation to address an identified problem, culminating in team innovation pitches. A panel of judges selected the best three presentations. The team that pitched the MP Detect innovation (malaria parasite detect) emerged first and received SWIT’s cash prize of ₦500,000 to support continued development of the idea. The Idera Pad team came second while the AWA Data team placed third, receiving ₦300,000 and ₦200,000, respectively, also for continued development of their innovations; courtesy of CoMUI. In addition, members of the teams received three months of SWIT’s advisory support focused on helping to define and execute subsequent critical steps required to move their ideas to the next level.
The event also featured poster presentations and goodwill messages from notable personalities, including the Dean, Faculty Clinical Sciences, CoMUI, Professor T. A. Lawal; pioneer Director of CRIM, Dr. A. O. Adebiyi; Dean, Faculty of Public Health, Professor M. D. Dairo; Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Professor Bukola F. Adeyemi; and Dean, Faculty of Nursing, Professor Prisca Adejumo, among others.
In recognition of their illuminating and brilliant lectures, as well as their selfless contributions to the academic community, awards of honour were presented to the guest lecturer and other deserving personalities. The event was anchored by Dr. O. C. Uchendu and Dr. Nse Odunaiya, who ensured smooth and engaging sessions throughout the programme.
