KANO — Bayero University Kano and the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion have called for stronger links between Nigerian universities and industry to help turn research findings into commercial products and services. The call was made during the first National Conference and Exhibition on Research and Development organised by Bayero University's Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnership. The discussion focused on one of the longstanding challenges facing Nigeria's higher education system: the difficulty of translating academic research into practical solutions that reach businesses and communities. Universities generate research across areas such as agriculture, engineering, medicine, technology and environmental science. However, useful discoveries can remain within academic publications if researchers lack access to funding, industrial partners or systems for protecting and commercialising intellectual property. Stronger partnerships could help bridge that gap. The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Professor Haruna Musa, said intellectual property protection, strategic partnerships and research commercialisation were important to ensuring that innovations developed in Nigerian universities create real impact. Intellectual property protection gives researchers and institutions clearer rights over inventions and discoveries. Without adequate protection, researchers may be reluctant to disclose innovations or seek commercial partners. Universities also need offices and professionals capable of helping academics navigate patents, licensing and technology transfer. Industry participation can provide another important component. Companies understand market demand and can identify technologies that have commercial potential. They can also provide funding, equipment and technical expertise that universities may not have available. Researchers, meanwhile, can contribute scientific knowledge and new ideas. A successful partnership can therefore benefit both sides. Students can also gain from stronger university-industry connections. Research projects linked to real commercial challenges can provide students with practical experience and improve their understanding of how academic knowledge is applied. Such partnerships can also create opportunities for internships, mentorship and employment. Nigeria's economic development depends partly on its ability to increase domestic innovation. The country imports many technologies and products that could potentially be developed or adapted locally. Stronger research commercialisation could reduce some dependence on imported solutions while creating new businesses and jobs. Agriculture provides one example. University researchers may develop improved farming techniques, processing methods or technologies that could increase productivity. Without a pathway to commercialisation, such research may have little effect beyond academic circles. Similar opportunities exist in renewable energy, manufacturing, health technology and digital services. Government agencies such as NOTAP can help create policies and systems that support technology transfer. Universities also need to establish clear procedures for researchers who want to commercialise their work. These procedures should address ownership, revenue sharing and collaboration with private companies. Funding remains another challenge. Research and development requires investment, and researchers need resources to test ideas before they can attract commercial partners. Government grants, private-sector funding and international partnerships can help fill some of the gaps. Universities can also improve their research impact by identifying areas that address specific national needs. Research programmes connected to local economic and social problems may have greater potential for practical application. The BUK conference highlights the need to move beyond measuring research through publications alone. Academic publications remain important, but universities can also be judged by the solutions their research creates. If stronger industry partnerships are developed, Nigerian universities could contribute more directly to innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. The long-term objective should be a research ecosystem in which ideas move from laboratories and lecture rooms into businesses, public services and communities.