Oyo State partners with University of Ibadan to deploy AI for SME growth
The Oyo State Government will work with the University of Ibadan's Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies to help small and medium-scale enterprises adopt artificial intelligence. State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Commerce and Cooperatives Chief Adebisi Adeniyi confirmed the partnership during a visit from UI faculty on May 3.
The collaboration will support a symposium scheduled for July 16, 2026, titled "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Business Survival and Expansion in the Knowledge Economy." The event aims to connect academic research with practical business application.
What the government wants from this partnership
Adeniyi said the state needs more than 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 called for a structured framework that supports continuous learning and engagement between the government and university. Governor Seyi Makinde's administration is committed to creating a business-friendly environment that attracts investment and supports enterprise growth, Adeniyi added.
Why SMEs matter in Oyo State
Dr. Oluseyi Ajayi, one of the visiting academics, said small and medium enterprises are the backbone of Nigeria's economy, particularly in Oyo State. Integrating AI into business operations would unlock new opportunities for growth and sustainability, he said.
The department began working with the state ministry to support SMEs in 2024. This initiative continues that effort to ensure businesses in Oyo State keep pace with the global shift toward AI-driven economies.
From theory to practice
The academics emphasized moving beyond classroom instruction to real-world interventions. "We are focused on translating academic knowledge into real economic value," Ajayi said. "This partnership is about equipping SMEs with the tools and insights needed to survive and expand in a competitive environment."
The department plans to sustain the collaboration and measure its impact on SME development across the state.
The broader context
Dayo Bello, a consultant and founder of Global Sight Services Limited, said digital capacity building-particularly in AI and user interface design-remains essential for global competitiveness. The Oyo partnership reflects a "town-and-gown" model where academic institutions contribute directly to economic development.
For government professionals involved in economic development or business support, this partnership offers a template for how academic expertise can strengthen public sector capacity to serve the private sector. AI for Government initiatives like this one require sustained commitment and structured training frameworks to deliver measurable results.
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