The Oyo State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies at the University of Ibadan (UI) to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen and expand Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the state.
The collaboration aims to bridge academic research and real-sector applications while equipping SMEs with digital tools to improve productivity, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the University of Ibadan, the State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Commerce and Cooperatives, Chief Adebisi Adeniyi, said the government remains committed to building a sustainable framework for the initiative.
“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,” Adeniyi said.
He stressed that the partnership must extend beyond ceremonial engagements to a structured and continuous collaboration capable of delivering measurable economic impact.
“This relationship must go beyond this programme. It should serve as a foundation for a long-term collaboration that delivers real economic value,” he added.
Leading the UI delegation, Dr Oluseyi Ajayi of the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies said the engagement forms part of preparations for an upcoming symposium themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Business Survival and Expansion in the Knowledge Economy.”
He explained that the initiative is designed to ensure that SMEs are not excluded from the global shift toward AI-driven business models.
“Our goal is to ensure that businesses in Oyo State are not left behind in the global shift toward AI-driven economies,” Ajayi said.
He further noted that SMEs remain central to Nigeria’s economy, adding that integrating AI tools would enhance efficiency, innovation, and access to wider markets.
The initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration between academia and government while positioning Oyo State as a hub for innovation-driven enterprise development. It will also focus on training, capacity building, and developing practical AI solutions tailored to local business needs.
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