By Adaora Adibe and Hembadoon Ode
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) have set the stage for strategic collaboration in raw materials research and commercialisation, following a courtesy visit by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Ugochukwu Anyaehie, to the Director-General of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja.
The visit, which took place on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, focused on strengthening institutional partnership between both bodies in the areas of raw materials research, development, innovation, and commercialization
Professor Anyaehie commended RMRDC for its critical role in national development, particularly in promoting local raw materials utilization and industrial growth. He expressed the readiness of UNIZIK to partner with the Council, noting that the university is set to commence the development of a Centre for Raw Materials.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the proposed centre will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and capacity building in raw materials development, adding that the university looks forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with RMRDC.
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In his response, Professor Ike-Muonso welcomed the initiative and assured the Vice-Chancellor of the Council’s full support. He noted that both institutions could collaborate effectively in key technical and business innovation areas such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other sectors within RMRDC’s mandate, including commercialization of research output.
The Director-General further emphasized the need for immediate discussions between both parties, particularly involving the Department of Economics, to drive the raw materials economic framework of the proposed centre.
He also disclosed plans to take the Vice-Chancellor on a tour of RMRDC’s Research, Demonstration Plants Complex (RDPC) during his next visit, to explore the Council’s high-level pilot plant equipment, including facilities for the manufacture of biodegradable products such as condoms.
The meeting ended with both parties reaching a mutual understanding on the need to deepen collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s raw materials development agenda.
