The Oyo State Government has moved to deepen its support for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) through a proposed partnership with the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies at the University of Ibadan (UI), aimed at deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to drive business growth and competitiveness across the state.
The initiative, which centres on applying AI tools to real-sector challenges, signals a growing alignment between public policy and academic research in advancing enterprise development. It also reflects a broader effort by the state to position SMEs for survival and expansion within an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven economy.
The State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Commerce and Cooperatives, Chief Adebisi Adeniyi, disclosed the government’s readiness to formalise the collaboration while receiving a delegation of UI lecturers at his office in the Secretariat, Ibadan. The delegation was led by the Head of Department, Dr. Samuel Orekoya, alongside other academics including Dr. Oluseyi Ajayi, Dr. Philip Ogunode, Dr. Adeola Ayodele, Dr. Oluwakemi Oreagba, and Mrs. Ibukun Joledo.
Adeniyi emphasised that the proposed engagement must go beyond a one-off event and evolve into a sustainable framework capable of delivering long-term value to SMEs across Oyo State.
“We have a lot to achieve together beyond a one-day event. If this initiative is to be sustainable, we must focus on training and equipping our staff so they can support SMEs effectively,” he said.
He added that the state is seeking a structured collaboration that prioritises continuous learning, institutional capacity building, and measurable economic outcomes.
“This relationship must go beyond this programme. It should serve as a foundation for a long-term collaboration that delivers real economic value. On behalf of the government, I assure you of our readiness to partner fully,” Adeniyi stated.
The Commissioner further reiterated the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation, attracts investment, and supports enterprise growth across sectors.
On the academic side, Dr. Oluseyi Ajayi noted that the visit was partly to inform the government of an upcoming departmental symposium scheduled for July 16, 2026. The event, themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Business Survival and Expansion in the Knowledge Economy,” is expected to serve as a platform for bridging academic insights with practical business applications.
Ajayi explained that the collaboration is rooted in the “town-and-gown” model, which promotes direct contributions of academic institutions to economic development. According to him, the programme is designed to close the gap between research outputs and real-sector implementation, particularly for SMEs navigating rapid technological changes.
“In 2024, we began working with the Ministry to support SMEs, and this is a continuation of that effort. Our goal is to ensure that businesses in Oyo State are not left behind in the global shift toward AI-driven economies,” he said.
He stressed that SMEs remain a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, especially within Oyo State, and that integrating AI into their operations could unlock new efficiencies, market opportunities, and long-term sustainability.
Ajayi also highlighted the department’s focus on translating academic knowledge into practical solutions that deliver measurable impact for businesses.
“We are focused on translating academic knowledge into real economic value. This partnership is about equipping SMEs with the tools and insights needed to survive and expand in a competitive environment,” he said.
Reaffirming the department’s commitment, he described the engagement as the beginning of a more structured and impactful collaboration.
“This is just the beginning of a stronger partnership. We are committed to ensuring that this collaboration delivers measurable impact and contributes to economic development in Oyo State,” Ajayi added.
Also speaking, Mr. Dayo Bello, consultant and founder of Global Sight Services Limited, underscored the importance of digital capacity building in achieving global competitiveness. He noted that skills in AI and user interface design are increasingly critical for SMEs seeking to scale beyond local markets and participate effectively in the global economy.
