Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, recently commissioned a state-of-the-art chemistry laboratory at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State. This marks the seventh upgraded lab completed through a unique partnership between the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc.
The new lab aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by providing FUTA researchers with cutting-edge equipment. This will ultimately lead to stronger research and development (R&D) in Nigeria.
The Minister, who was represented by Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, Director-General of NOTAP highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in strengthening R&D. He praised PZ Cussons for their commitment, noting their investment of over N500 million to upgrade chemistry labs across the country. He urged other companies to follow suit, highlighting the potential for job creation and economic growth through stronger R&D.
The minister acknowledged past shortcomings in Nigeria’s research infrastructure. He explained that a lack of advanced equipment often resulted in research that wasn’t relevant to industry needs. This, in turn, led to a reliance on foreign technologies.
Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, Director-General of NOTAP, emphasized the transformative potential of the NOTAP-Industry Research Laboratory Upgrade Project (NIRLUP). “This initiative allows private companies to partner with NOTAP to improve research facilities at universities and institutes,” she assured.
PZ Cussons: A Committed Partner
PZ Cussons was hailed for their ongoing support. Mr. Dimitris Kostianis, CEO of PZ Cussons Nigeria, highlighted the company’s belief in the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. He emphasized that such partnerships are crucial for technological progress.
FUTA Ready to Leverage New Equipment
Representatives from FUTA expressed their gratitude for the upgraded lab. They pledged to make optimal use of the equipment to enhance research efforts within the university.
A First for Nigeria
The NOTAP/PZ Cussons partnership represents a significant step forward for science and technology in Nigeria. The upgraded labs provide a powerful platform for researchers to develop innovative solutions and drive domestic technological advancement.