The African Scholars Association Ireland (AfSAI) was honoured to host Rev. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, PhD, Vice-Chancellor of Veritas University Abuja, and Sis Dr Kathleen McGarvey, Director of Advancement & International Collaboration at Veritas University Abuja, during their recent visit to Dublin, Ireland.
The meeting created a valuable platform for strategic discussions on how universities can strengthen academic-industry partnerships, accelerate innovation and commercialisation, and create clearer pathways for research and student-led ideas to deliver meaningful societal and economic impact.
A central focus of the conversation was the need for universities to move beyond traditional academic outputs by creating structures that support the development of market-ready products, services and technologies. Participants discussed the importance of establishing university incubation hubs, strengthening technology transfer mechanisms, and creating stronger links between students, researchers, private-sector partners and international collaborators.
The discussion also explored how funded PhD programmes can become more product- and invention-oriented. By linking doctoral research more closely with entrepreneurship, industry needs and innovation ecosystems, universities can help ensure that research outcomes translate into practical solutions, commercial opportunities and measurable benefits for communities and economies.
The green energy sector was identified as another area of significant opportunity. Participants considered how universities can play a more active role in driving innovation through strategic partnerships, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and sustainable technologies. Such collaborations can support knowledge transfer, skills development, enterprise creation and long-term economic resilience.
Diaspora engagement also featured prominently in the discussion. The meeting highlighted the value of creating structured opportunities for African academics and professionals in the diaspora to contribute to teaching, mentoring, research collaboration and institutional development across African universities.
AfSAI was particularly pleased to reflect on its role as a springboard for collaborative programmes and initiatives, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to knowledge exchange, capacity building and impactful partnerships that connect scholars, institutions and professionals across borders.
Representing AfSAI at the meeting were Sis Dr Felicity Agwu Kalu, President of AfSAI; Dr Samuel Ogwu, Vice President for Community Engagement; and Dr Mary Ajide, Vice President for Student Affairs. Their participation underscored AfSAI’s continued commitment to advancing meaningful academic partnerships and creating opportunities for African scholars and students.
AfSAI warmly appreciates Rev. Prof. Ichoku and Sis Dr McGarvey for sharing their insights, vision and commitment to advancing higher education, research, innovation and international collaboration. The Association looks forward to exploring future opportunities for partnership and collective impact with Veritas University Abuja.
The meeting reaffirmed a shared belief that universities can serve not only as centres of teaching and research, but also as engines of innovation, enterprise and sustainable development when supported by strong partnerships, effective knowledge transfer and a commitment to turning ideas into impact.
