By Musa Waziri
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is set to deepen its collaboration with Taraba State University through the implementation of joint postgraduate programs and research and development (R&D) projects. This initiative stems from an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both institutions aimed at promoting innovation, industrial development, and academic excellence.
As a follow-up to earlier engagements, a delegation of senior RMRDC directors visited the university to assess its level of preparedness for the joint programs. The team was led by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Lawal Suraj, and was warmly received by the University Registrar, Mr. Joseph Umar Bibina.
During the visit, Mr. Suraj reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to the MoU and emphasized the critical role of R&D in national development. “Nigeria possesses vast natural resources that remain underutilized. Strategic academic collaboration is essential to harness these for industrial growth,” he stated. He also encouraged the university’s team to prioritize the success of the joint initiative.
Also speaking during the visit, the Director of the Agriculture and Agro-Allied Department, Dr. Seb Ebierekwe conveyed the satisfaction of the Director General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso, with the progress made so far. Dr. Ebierekwe called on the Consultancy Services Committee to steer students toward self-reliance by offering industry-relevant and productive academic programs. He assured the university of RMRDC’s support in fully sponsoring initiatives that align with national industrial needs. He also commended the RMRDC Taraba State Coordinator, Mr. Musa Waziri for exemplary work and acknowledged the valuable contributions of NACOFTAN (National Cooperative of Farmers and Traders Association of Nigeria) and its members as key out-grower partners.
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In response, the University Registrar, Mr. Bibina, expressed deep appreciation to the Director General of RMRDC for his unwavering support, describing Taraba State as the DG’s “second home.” Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Ahmed Baba Mohammed, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), highlighted the university’s ongoing collaboration with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan, noting that it complements their partnership with RMRDC in the area of raw materials research.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Mamud Hamid Umar commended the vision and initiative of the RMRDC leadership, while Dr. Abdul Hadi Aliyara, Head of the Economics Department, underscored the importance of sustained support from government agencies, NGOs, and the RMRDC to ensure the long-term success of the programs.
The visit marks another milestone in the growing partnership between RMRDC and Taraba State University, reinforcing a shared commitment to building knowledge-based, resource-driven solutions for Nigeria’s economic.
