The theme of the conference is: Setting Research and Innovation Management Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Conference was preceded by two-day intensive workshops on how to access research funds in an ever-changing and competitive terrain, mentoring and coaching by global leaders in Research and Creativity, Innovation and Technology Transfer in practice. The conference also featured funders, industrialists and policy makers. The conference and workshops are targeted at people who are involved in research and innovation management in various institutions as well as those interested in undertaking cutting edge research.

The following sub-themes were addressed in the context of the SDGs:

• Policy and Priority Setting for SDG research in West Africa
• Building and Strengthening Capacities for Research and Research Management
• Strengthening Research, Creativity and Innovation Cooperation among Universities, Public Research Institutes and Industry
• Contemporary issues in Medical Research
• Contemporary Issues in Technology Transfer
• Overcoming the Challenges of Researching Africa’s diversities for Success
• Monitoring and Evaluation of SDG Research for Impact
• Case studies of successes and failures in the MDGs and lessons for the SDGs

The Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria, Professor Labode Popoola who is also the President of WARIMA explained that this year’s International Conference being the 10th since the establishment of WARIMA would reflect on the journey so far, re-strategize for effectiveness and relevance and also reward excellence.

Over 100 participants across the world including participants from Osun State University attended the International Conference and Workshops. Other distinguished Academics present at the 10th WARIMA International Conference and Workshops were Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities including the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Seddi Sabastian Maimako, Vice Chancellor, Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State, Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu and former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Olatunji, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin represented the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON. Also present were the Secretary General, Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities(AVCNU), Professor Michael Faborode and his wife Dr Helen F. Faborode, Professor Olubunmi Olapade Olaopa, Provost, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, the keynote speaker, ably represented by Professor Eme Owoaje, The Minister of Higher Education, Government of The Gambia, Dr. Abubakar Senghor and Professor D’Alessandro Umberto, the Director, MRC Unit, the Gambia graced the opening ceremony, and gave speeches.

The UNIOSUN contingent include the Chairman, Committee of Provosts, Deans and Directors who is also the Provost, College of Management and Social Sciences, Professor Dayo Idowu Akintayo; Provost of Postgraduate College, Professor Christopher Olutayo Alebiosu; Provost, College of Humanities and Culture, Professor Folorunso Kizito; Provost, College of Health Sciences; Professor Mrs. Esther Asekun-Olarinmoye; Provost, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Professor Mrs. Janet Olaitan; Provost College of Agriculture, Professor Fikayo Babatunde, Provost, College of Law, Professor Olaide Gbadamosi; and the acting Provost, College of Education, Dr Anthony Kola-Olusanya. Also on the delegation was Mr Debo Olawuyi of the Information Management and Technology Centre, Osun State University.

Speaking on the gains of the Conference, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Labode Popoola stated that the participation of the delegates from UNIOSUN is hinged on the urgent need to build and strengthen the capacities of the institution’s academic leaders so that they can also train and mentor up-coming researchers in the ever-changing world of research, creativity, and research and innovation management. The UNIOSUN delegates expressed their delight at the opportunity to be part of a fast-growing sub-regional network and the huge potentials of networking with colleagues from institutions in Europe, Africa and West Africa in particular.