AUST, RMR&DC Renew Partnership Agreement to Advance Raw Materials Research and Industrial Development
The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), have renewed their long-standing partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening research, innovation, and capacity development in raw materials value addition.
The event, held at the AUST campus, was attended by top officials from both institutions, including the President of AUST, Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, and the Director-General of RMR&DC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso.
In his remarks, Prof. Onwualu welcomed the RMRDC delegation and reflected on the long lasting collaboration between the two institutions.
He noted that the partnership had faced challenges in the past, particularly due to limited access to facilities for testing raw materials and conducting quality research.
The AUST President emphasized on the importance of testing and material characterization, noting that the availability of advanced facilities is critical for producing high-quality raw materials and supplying industries with reliable inputs for manufacturing.
He also commended the government’s 30% Value Addition Bill on indigenous raw materials, describing it as a major step toward strengthening local industries and reducing over dependence on imported materials.
The AUST President further harped on the need to bridge the knowledge gap in industrial processes through training, capacity building, and enhanced research collaboration.
He cited the reactivation of the RMRDC Training School as a vital step in empowering small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and industrial stakeholders with the technical knowledge required for raw material beneficiation and value addition.
According to him " the renewed partnership aligns with AUST’s mission in promoting research and innovation that drive Nigeria’s industrial development and global competitiveness"
He expressed his optimism that the collaboration would provide mutual benefits for both institutions, including up to 75% training discounts for RMRDC staff and opportunities for qualified personnel to participate in AUST’s academic programs.
In his response, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso described the MoU renewal as timely and strategic, noting that AUST has continued to distinguish itself as a center of excellence in materials science and engineering.
He acknowledged that the capacity gaps within RMRDC had hindered some of its previous collaborative initiatives with universities but affirmed that AUST’s expertise makes it an ideal partner to achieve the Council’s mandate.
Prof. Muonso reiterated RMRDC’s commitment to capacity building, industrial growth, and value addition through research, innovation, and human resource development maintaining the confidence that the collaboration would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrial advancement and economic sustainability.
Representing AUST at the event were Mr. Kingsley Ogundu, Manager, Austinspire Incubation; Dr. Vitalis Anye, Acting Dean, School of Engineering; Dr. Abduhakeem Bello, Director of Academic Planning; Dr. Abdulmalik Usman Bello, Dean, School of Science and Head, Mathematics Institute; Dr. Muhammed Haruna Abubakar, Dean, School of Administration and Management Sciences; Mr. Ben Obi Okonkwo, Bursar/Director of Finance; Prince Obioha Atulomah, Head, Media Services/PR; and Miss Blessing Iweha, Administrative Assistant, Media Services/PR.
The RMRDC DG was accompanied to the MoU renewal event by Agwu Kama Onugbu, Deputy Director; Jude Omodibo, Principal Scientific Officer; Shua Azi, Assistant Director; Festus Obot, Assistant Director; Adora Adibe, Assistant Director; Hajara Salish, Chief Legal Officer; Samuel David, Scientific Officer; and Oluwaseyi Otitoju, Chief Information Officer.
The event climaxed with the formal signing and exchange of the MoU documents between the two partners.
