By Adaora Adibe, Oluwaseyi Otitoju, Halima S. Olufadi
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and the Nigerian Metallurgical Society (NMS) have reaffirmed their commitment to technological collaboration following a strategic meeting with the Director General, RMRDC Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja.
The courtesy visit, led by NMS President Dr. F.M. Achiv, marked a renewed phase in the longstanding relationship between the two organizations. The meeting was focused on strengthening research-based partnerships and accelerating the commercialization of indigenous technological innovations.
Dr. Achiv commended RMRDC’s Director General, Professor Nnayelugo Ike-Muonso, for his leadership and achievements as he approaches one year in office. He emphasized the Society’s readiness to deepen collaboration, particularly through the continued hosting of NMS’s annual conferences at RMRDC facilities.
Highlighting past joint initiatives, Dr. Achiv referenced the Council’s research into alternative engineering materials, such as brake pads derived from palm kernel shells and water-soluble grease from cassava. Both innovations have secured patents but are yet to be fully commercialized. He urged RMRDC to fast-track their deployment, citing their potential to transform Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
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In response, Professor Ike-Muonso expressed appreciation for NMS’s support and noted the historical synergy between both institutions. “One thing is clear, we want to do things together,” he affirmed, proposing the development of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to streamline and institutionalize the renewed partnership.
Deputy Director, Plant and Equipment Maintenance Division, Engr. Obassi Ettu, and a long-standing NMS member, echoed the commitment, describing RMRDC as a “traditional home for NMS.” He suggested collaborative efforts in materials characterization and technical training, recommending the revival of joint capacity-building programs.
To this end, Professor Ike-Muonso approved the immediate commencement of training for an initial cohort of ten RMRDC staff members. He set an ambitious goal to train at least 300 personnel across various staff levels. The initiative will be coordinated through the RMRDC Training School under the leadership of its Dean, Dr. I.C. Olife, and in partnership with Engr. Ettu.
Dr. Achiv concluded the meeting by reaffirming NMS’s dedication to a results-driven partnership. He disclosed the formation of a professional committee within the Society tasked with developing collaborative programs and reiterated plans to continue utilizing RMRDC’s facilities for major events.
The revitalized alliance between RMRDC and NMS signals a forward-looking effort to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, foster technological innovation, and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial value chain. Both institutions have pledged to work closely to drive sustainable economic growth through science, engineering, and human capital development.
