By Eunice Orike
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has applauded the partnership between the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc on the upgrade of research laboratories across the country.
Nnaji, represented by the Director-General of NOTAP, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, gave the commendation during the commissioning of the ninth upgraded chemistry laboratory under the NOTAP-Industry Research Laboratory Upgrade Programme (NIRLUP).
He described education as the foundation of national development, stressing that equipping science laboratories was a vital investment in Nigeria’s future.
He explained that NOTAP, in the course of its regulatory oversight, had identified gaps in the National Innovation System (NIS), particularly the lack of confidence in the skills of graduates and in local research capacity.
To bridge these gaps, the Office launched industry partnership initiatives in 2009 to strengthen ties between academia and industry, while supporting infrastructure development in higher institutions.
Highlighting the impact of the programme, Nnaji noted that PZ Cussons has invested close to N1 billion in upgrading nine chemistry laboratories in universities and research institutes, including Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola; National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria; University of Calabar; Alex Ekwueme University of Technology, Ebonyi; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; University of Jos; and the newly commissioned facility at the University of Port Harcourt.
He urged other multinationals operating in Nigeria to emulate PZ Cussons’ gesture as part of their corporate social responsibility, adding that the ministry would explore legal avenues to reciprocate such goodwill.
In her remarks, delivered by NOTAP’s Director of Consultancy Services, Yejide Akinkunmi, Amadiobi emphasised that while NOTAP was set up to regulate foreign technology inflow, it also has the mandate to encourage the growth of local technologies.
She noted that many foreign companies still conduct critical laboratory research abroad due to inadequate facilities in Nigeria.
A statement issued by NOTAP’s Public Relations Unit, signed by Raymond Onyenezi Ogbu, said the partnership with PZ Cussons was aimed at addressing this challenge by providing state-of-the-art equipment to Nigerian institutions and strengthening local research capacity.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, represented by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Ngozi Onyanunam Ekeke, expressed appreciation for the laboratory upgrade.
He pledged that the university would make effective use of the facility, noting that the equipment would accelerate research and produce tangible innovations to benefit society.
