A part of efforts towards promoting global knowledge and connectivity through funding of research and development initiatives, the World Bank has expressed commitments to partner University of Ilorin in funding research in order to aid teaching, promote learning and accelerate development.

World Bank though its representative noted that it is keen about using Information and Communication Technology for the development of teaching stating that global universities have put together all their courses online so that everyone everywhere can have the opportunity to access them.

Speaking on behalf of the Apex bank at the Science and Technology Education Post-Basic, STEP-B, project monitoring workshop held at the University of Ilorin, a technological expert, Dr. Olatunde Adekola, stressed that, "University of Ilorin is one of the top beneficiaries of the STEP-B intervention."

"The project holds a lot benefits for students, it is part of the World Bank's responsibility to ensure that it monitors closely wherever it invests its money, the Bank is supporting Nigerian universities to ensure they are able to achieve their aims."

He further emphasised that money goes to where knowledge is in today's world and that increase in research, knowledge and international collaborations would make money available adding that the essence of the workshop, which attracted all secondary and tertiary institutions in the north central zone where STEP-B project is being executed, was necessary because the World Bank operates an open door and transparent policy.

Also speaking, the vice chancellor of the university, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, described information and communication technology as being central to any research assuring that the institution would always remain a partner in progress with organisations that accord information technology a high priority.

Represented by the deputy vice chancellor (academic), Professor Bayo Lawal, the VC said the university parades eminent academics that can be counted among the world's best in various fields of human endeavour based on the outstanding research endeavours they have carried out.