By Halima Olufadi
In a major stride towards enhancing internal capacity and professional development, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), through its Training School, recently organized an intensive workshop on Developing Essential Technical Writing Skills. Held over two sessions from April 23rd to 24th and April 28th to 29th, 2025, the workshop took place at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja, drawing enthusiastic participation from mid-level staff across various departments.
The initiative, spearheaded by the RMRDC Training School, is part of a broader mandate to equip 1,000 mid-level staff with critical communication and technical documentation skills necessary for high-level performance and effective dissemination of research outputs.
In her opening remarks, the Dean of the Training School, Dr. I. C. Olife, speaking on behalf of the Director-General/CEO, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, emphasized the importance of the training in promoting excellence in technical communication across the Council. “We have carefully assembled experienced resource persons, many of whom are seasoned professionals and retired directors from the RMRDC, to guide our participants through a structured and practical learning experience,” she said.
The workshop featured a robust line up of expert-led sessions:
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- Engr. Olusola Abiodun Kayode, former UNIDO representative and current Training School Consultant, opened the training with a session on creative and critical thinking, offering participants tools to enhance problem-solving and analytical writing.
- Prof. John J. Uket,, delivered a compelling lecture on technical communication strategies, urging staff to prioritize clarity and purpose in all professional correspondence. Quoting Benjamin Franklin, he reminded participants: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
- Dr. Enefiok Asanga, a management consultant, presented on effective technical writing, addressing audience analysis, clarity in documentation, and the use of visual aids.
- Dr. Moyo Jolaoso, an acclaimed Agronomist, delivered a session on memorandum writing, guiding attendees on tone, structure, and the utility of memos in professional communication.
- Dr. Raymond Nneji Ihenacho focused on the essentials of report and minute writing, highlighting accuracy and brevity as key pillars.
- Dr. Mohammed L Buga, a Chartered Management Consultant, shared insights on project proposal writing, offering practical guidance on structuring proposals, developing budgets, and aligning with funding requirements.
- The workshop concluded with Dr. Kemjika B. Ajoku, a veteran in science and industrial development, who led a session on research grant writing, emphasizing clarity, strategic alignment, and outcome orientation in grant proposals.
Participants engaged in a variety of hands-on activities, including group work, presentations, and writing exercises, all designed to reinforce core learning objectives. The interactive nature of the sessions, coupled with real-world examples and peer collaboration, earned high praise from attendees.
As the Council intensifies its drive toward industrial growth through research, innovation, and utilization of local raw materials, this training marks a critical step in enhancing the competence of its workforce. The RMRDC Training School reaffirmed its commitment to bridging skill gaps through continuous capacity-building programmes that align with national development goals.
With the success of this workshop, the Training School sets the tone for future engagements that will further professionalize technical communication within the Council and beyond.
