Professor Abel Olajide Olorunnisola, Vice Chancellor of Dominion University, Ibadan, has reaffirmed the Institution's commitment to strengthening students' practical learning through internships and expanded collaboration with the Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Economic Society.

Olorunnisola made the commitment while receiving an Oyo NES delegation led by its Acting Chairman, Professor Oluwakemi Bolaji Okuwa, during a courtesy visit to the University.

He described practical industry exposure as an essential component of university education, stressing that students should combine classroom learning with workplace experience. "We encourage our students to go for internships and ensure that those at the 200 and 300 levels have field experience. We will be partners in progress and work together to make this department more viable," he stated.

Closer collaboration between the University and the professional body, he added, would enhance students' employability, expose them to current industry practices, and strengthen academic excellence.

Speaking earlier at the meeting, Okuwa explained that the visit was aimed at deepening institutional collaboration in student development, research, professional induction, and capacity building.

She revealed that members of the Economics Department would receive rebates on membership and participation in the society's activities, an initiative designed to draw students and academics more directly into professional economic discourse. The partnership, according to her, would also extend to collaborative research, induction of students into the profession, and participation in the society's forthcoming conference.

"We are committed to working together for the advancement of Economics students through stronger collaboration and professional engagement," Okuwa said.

Members of the Vice Chancellor's management team at the meeting included Board of Trustees member Dr Jonah Akoun, Bursar Mr Olanrewaju Somefun, Principal Academic Planning Officer Dr S.O. Agboola, Assistant Registrar Mr T.S. Abodunrin, and Admissions Officer Mr Bamigboye.

The Oyo NES delegation also featured Financial Secretary Dr Florence Oyebamiji, the society's Public Relations Officer, and Dr Samuel Ochinyabo, Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research.

Both organisations expressed confidence that the collaboration would advance practical learning, research excellence, and professional development for students, while strengthening ties between academia and the economics profession.