By Kelechi Obassi /Oluwakemi Adegbie
In a significant move towards enhancing research and development in Taraba State and Nigeria at large, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is set to partner with the Taraba State University on the three major key areas which include research and development, conversion programs and the aspects of process technology.
This was disclosed by the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike- Muonso when the Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mahmood Umar led a team on a working visit to the council’s headquarters, in Abuja.
Speaking during the working visit, Prof Ike- Muonso stated the need for a shared commitment to harnessing Taraba State’s abundant natural resources through innovative research and technology highlighting three key areas where RMRDC could partner with Taraba State University, which include R&D, Capacity building programmes, and the aspects of process technology.
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He said that the capacity building area is one of the major challenges in the council while stressing the need for a conversion program and retraining young professionals and also supporting those within the directorate level to pursue advanced degrees such as PhDs in the related field, adding that the purpose of this initiative is to equip the next generation with the necessary skills to innovate and promote sustainable practices in resources utilization.
Speaking further, the DG pointed out the need for a concerted effort in value addition and the development of processed technologies. He advocated for the inclusion of RMRDC initiatives in the university’s programs, encouraging students to engage in research focused on the implications of exporting raw materials without adequately benefiting from them, adding that the council has started with advocating for value addition whereby exporters could get 30% value of raw materials benefit which will encourage these stakeholders to be more effective in exporting raw materials.
He however encouraged the institution to join RMRDC in achieving this laudable goal.
The DG said that the council is keen to mobilize students who can delve into the research initiative that is aligned with practical applications that benefit the community, he reiterated the commitment of the council to establish advanced research laboratories and accommodation facilities for researchers.
“This initiative is to support ongoing research, shifting the focus from a traditional academic approach to market-driven research that meets the society’s demands. Hence the need to include RMRDC’s initiatives into the university’s curriculum”, He opined.
while speaking on processed technology, Prof Ike-Muonso said that RMRDC is ready to partner with the local government in the northeast and the university to recreate process technologies and invest more in the most dominant products that can remove rural communities and people out of poverty.
Earlier, Prof. Mahmood Umar said that Taraba state is known for its rich natural resources which have remained untapped for several years, hence the need for urgent attention to come up with modality and develop innovative methods for harnessing these resources.
Speaking further, he acknowledged the abundant natural resources in Taraba State, noting the urgent need for innovative strategies to harness these assets effectively. He expressed awareness of RMRDC’s research and development of pilot plants, which aim to facilitate technology development for the efficient utilization of wasted resources.
Prof Mahmood endorsed the outlined areas of partnership, emphasizing that the local resources are currently underutilized. He pointed out that many farmers in the region lack awareness of the benefits that raw materials can provide, stressing the importance of education and research in maximizing the potential of these resources.
