KANO — Stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration between Nigerian universities and industry to ensure that academic research produces practical solutions to economic and social challenges. The call followed discussions around the need to bridge the gap between research institutions and businesses. Universities produce research across areas including agriculture, medicine, engineering, technology and the social sciences. However, researchers often face difficulties moving their findings from academic publications into practical applications. Stronger partnerships with industry could provide a pathway for businesses and public institutions to identify problems that researchers can help solve. Such collaboration can also expose students to real-world challenges. Students who participate in industry-linked projects can gain practical experience while applying knowledge acquired in the classroom. This can improve their understanding of professional expectations and strengthen their employability after graduation. Industry also stands to benefit from access to academic expertise. Businesses may have technical or operational problems that require specialised knowledge beyond their internal capacity. Universities can provide researchers, laboratories and other facilities that can help develop solutions. Funding remains an important part of the process. Research requires sustained investment in equipment, personnel and data collection. Universities and government agencies remain important sources of research funding, while private-sector partnerships can provide additional opportunities. Such partnerships should, however, have clear rules concerning intellectual property and academic independence. Researchers need confidence that their work will be properly recognised and protected. Universities can also strengthen innovation by establishing technology-transfer offices, research hubs and incubation centres. These structures can help researchers assess whether discoveries have commercial potential and connect them with investors or companies. Students can benefit from entrepreneurship programmes linked to these initiatives. Nigeria's economic challenges provide numerous areas where university research could have practical impact. Agriculture, energy, healthcare, manufacturing and information technology all require locally relevant solutions. Research designed around local conditions may produce approaches that are more affordable and suitable for Nigerian communities. Government can encourage university-industry collaboration through competitive grants and incentives for joint projects. Public institutions can also identify national challenges that require research-based solutions. Education policy should recognise that universities have responsibilities beyond classroom teaching. They are also centres for knowledge creation and innovation. Stronger research capacity can contribute to economic development when findings are successfully transferred into practice. At the same time, universities must maintain academic standards. Commercial interests should not compromise research integrity or prevent scholars from pursuing important long-term questions. A balance between fundamental research and applied research is therefore necessary. Better collaboration could also help universities understand the skills employers require. Industry participation in curriculum development, internships and professional training can help institutions prepare students for changing labour-market conditions. The call for stronger university-industry relations reflects a broader need to make education more connected to national development. When research institutions, businesses and government agencies work together, knowledge can move more effectively from classrooms and laboratories into communities and workplaces. Sustained collaboration could therefore strengthen research, improve graduate skills and contribute to Nigeria's wider development goals.