By Opara Chinazum, Kelechi Obassi
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) have concluded plans to establish a Centre of Excellence on Raw Materials Research (Training School), this was also followed by the recognition of the Director General. RMRDC with the Innovative Leadership Award.
This development took centre stage during an official visit and participation by a delegation from RMRDC in the MOUAU’s 2nd Research and Innovation Fair/Conference in Abia State.
The Director General/CEO of RMRDC, represented by the Director of Agriculture and Agro-Allied Department, Dr. Sab Ebiriekwe led a six-member team to the university. Their primary goal was to finalize plans for the establishment of a training school and facilitate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is expected to take place in Abuja soon.
During the visit, the RMRDC delegation held a strategic meeting with MOUAU’s Vice-Chancellor and management staff to concretize the initiated discourse during the university’s courtesy call on the RMRDC Director-General/CEO which will operate in liaison with the Raw Materials Training School at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja.
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Dr. Ebiriekwe highlighted the Council’s commitment to partnering with Universities to advance research in agro raw materials. He noted that a similar MoU had been signed with Nasarawa State University, reinforcing the RMRDC’s goal of promoting research-driven industrial development in Nigeria.
He stressed that the Centre of Excellence at MOUAU would equip graduates with practical knowledge of crop production, processing, and value addition using modern technologies. This, he noted, would enhance self-employment opportunities and contribute to economic diversification.
The Vice Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, who welcomed the RMRDC team assured them of the University’s commitment to the collaboration. He emphasized that the initiative was a product of engagement with the Chairman of the Governing Board Council and that the institution had identified three key crops for development under this project.
The RMRDC delegation also actively participated in the university’s 2nd Research and Innovation Fair/Conference, themed “Leveraging Endogenous Technologies for Sustainable Development of the Nigerian Oil & Gas and Agro-Allied Industries.” With Dr. Seb Ebierekwe charing the plenary section.
The plenary session highlighted the importance of circular economy education and green accounting, emphasizing strategic approaches for sustainable transformation. Discussions also underscored the urgency of climate change advocacy and mitigation strategies, particularly in agriculture and the environment. The session further examined plastic pollution, advocating for a shift away from styrofoam plastics for food packaging, increased recycling, and the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives.
In addition, the RMRDC Abia State Coordinating Office showcased an exhibition of raw materials and locally produced goods, offering participants insights into the state’s industrial potential and reinforcing RMRDC’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in agricultural technology, sustainability, and raw materials development.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to accelerate the formalization of the partnership. Both parties agreed to expedite the processes leading to the signing of the MoU in Abuja, paving the way for the commencement of the Centre of Excellence on Raw Materials Research at MOUAU.
