Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, has urged lecturers to conduct collaborative researches that can accelerate socio-economic development and reduce poverty in their host communities.

Oloyede made the call at the closing of a “Health Awareness Workshop for Traditional Cloth Weavers” organised by the Centre for Research Development and In-House Training (CREDIT) of the University in Ilorin on Saturday.

He said such researches would contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities and enhance members' well-being.

The vice chancellor added that university lecturers should assist in reducing the poverty level in the communities rather than focusing solely on academic pursuits.

He said that the workshop was collaborative efforts of the Faculties of Clinical Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and Education, aimed at increasing the productivity of residents of Ilorin.

The vice chancellor, who was represented by the deputy vic chancellor (Academic), Prof. Bayo Lawal, recalled that some 10 to 20 years ago, most academic researches were essentially for the benefit of the academicians.

He said that because of the current realities, more of collaboration among faculties should be carried out for the benefit of their host communities.

Oloyede said the university organised the workshop as community service to the people of the area who major in cloth weaving.

He said the workshop would help to increase the productivity of the people, improve their economy and alleviate poverty in the society.

In one of the presentations, Prof. Olu Awoyemi of the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, said a health problem identified asMusculoskeletal disorders(MSDs) was found to be common among the weavers.

He said the disorder, caused by frequent bending and lack of rest, accounted for about 62 per cent of their health problems.

Reports say the disorder can affect the body's muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves.

Most work-related MSDs are said to develop over time and caused either by the work itself or by the employees' working environment.

(NAN)