The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China’s Hohai University to strengthen collaboration in research, innovation, staff and student exchanges, with a particular focus on water engineering and the blue economy.
The agreement was signed during a visit by a delegation from Hohai University, led by its President, Prof. Jinhai Zheng, to the University of Lagos.
Speaking at the event, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said the partnership aligns with the university’s vision of expanding international collaborations that promote research excellence and innovation.
She noted that the institution is particularly interested in working with Hohai University in strategic areas such as engineering, water resources and the blue economy, describing them as critical to sustainable national and global development.
Ogunsola also disclosed that UNILAG is making plans to establish specialised engineering facilities, including an Underground Water Institute, to strengthen research and expertise across the blue economy value chain.
“As the third most innovative university in Africa, we recognise the importance of partnerships that enhance our capacity in emerging areas of research and innovation,” she said.
Hohai University President, Prof. Jinhai Zheng, described his institution as one of China’s leading research universities, with strengths in water resources, environmental engineering, civil engineering, hydrology and sustainable development.
According to him, the university has over 55,000 students, more than 3,500 academic staff and maintains partnerships with over 130 universities and research organisations worldwide.
Beyond the MoU signing, the Chinese delegation toured UNILAG’s innovation ecosystem, including the NITHub Innovation and Exhibition Fair and the UNILAG AI UniPod.
Director of NITHub, Prof. Victor Odumuyiwa, revealed that the innovation hub has trained about 200,000 innovators over the past five years, equipping young Nigerians with digital and entrepreneurial skills to develop technology-driven solutions.
The visitors also explored ongoing artificial intelligence projects at the AI UniPod, where Director Prof. Chika Yinka-Banjo highlighted the facility’s role in advancing AI research, digital skills development and interdisciplinary innovation.
Both institutions concluded the visit by identifying priority areas for joint research, academic exchanges, capacity building, technology transfer and sustainable development initiatives, signalling a new phase of international collaboration in higher education.
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