By Opara Chinazum and Osuji Byron
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has called for greater investment in science, technology, innovation and value addition to Nigeria’s abundant raw materials as critical drivers of industrialisation and sustainable economic development.
The call was made during the 2026 Abia State STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Week organised by the Abia State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, with the theme, “Trust, Transformation and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050.”
The week-long event attracted policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, educators, innovators, students and development partners who examined the role of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in building a resilient and globally competitive economy.
Speaking during the programme, the Abia State Coordinator of RMRDC, Dr Chioma Oji-Nnorom, commended the ministry for organising what she described as a timely initiative to promote scientific innovation and sustainable development.
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She said the conference theme reflected the urgent need to build public confidence in science while accelerating innovation to achieve Nigeria’s long-term development aspirations.
According to her, RMRDC remains committed to promoting the development and optimal utilisation of the nation’s raw material resources through research, innovation, value addition and strategic partnerships capable of driving industrial growth and economic diversification.
Oji-Nnorom stressed the importance of strengthening STEM education and investing in scientific research, urging young Nigerians to embrace careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“The innovations that will shape tomorrow’s economy will emerge from the curiosity, creativity and determination of today’s young scientists and innovators,” she said.
At a high-level roundtable discussion, the Council advocated stronger collaboration among government institutions, academia, industry and local communities to ensure that scientific research produces practical solutions to societal and industrial challenges.
Dr Orji-Nnorom pushed for increased investment in research and development, commercialisation of research findings, promotion of indigenous innovation and wider adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, nanotechnology and renewable energy.
She noted that its participation at the 2026 Abia State STEM Week underscored the Council’s resolve to promote indigenous technologies and harness Nigeria’s vast raw material resources as catalysts for industrialisation, economic diversification and sustainable national development.
“The Council maintained that transforming Nigeria’s abundant raw materials into value-added products remains central to its mandate of creating jobs, strengthening local industries, reducing import dependence and enhancing national competitiveness,” she stated.
She further advocated improved laboratory infrastructure, innovation competitions, mentorship programmes and policies that would encourage greater participation of women and other underrepresented groups in STEM disciplines. Reaffirming RMRDC’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, value addition and sustainable industrial development through strategic partnerships with government, academia and the private sector.
