The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has commended the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc for their collaboration in promoting demand-driven research in Nigerian universities and research institutions through the NOTAP-Industry Research Laboratory Upgrade (NIRLUP) scheme.
Speaking during the commissioning of the upgraded Chemistry Laboratory at the University of Jos, Plateau State, the minister, represented by NOTAP’s director-general, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi expressed concern over the insufficient research laboratories in Nigerian knowledge institutions. He praised PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc for sponsoring the upgrade of eight Chemistry and Chemical Laboratories across select universities and research centres, noting that this initiative has enhanced the credibility of research efforts and boosted the enthusiasm of Nigerian researchers.
The minister explained that the partnership emerged after NOTAP observed a disconnect between the industry and the National System of Innovation (NSI) during its routine monitoring exercises. According to him, this lack of synergy resulted in industries losing confidence in local graduates and research capabilities, prompting them to outsource critical research and laboratory analyses to their parent companies abroad.
To address this gap and foster a stronger link between academia and industry, NOTAP introduced several partnership initiatives, including the NIRLUP program. However, the minister expressed disappointment that, despite the program’s impact, only PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc has participated, investing over ₦700 million in upgrading ten laboratories, out of which eight – including the University of Jos – have been fully upgraded and commissioned.
In her remarks, NOTAP’s director-general, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi described the collaboration with PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc as a strong testament to the power of public-private partnerships in driving socio-economic development.
She explained that the NOTAP-Industry Research Laboratory Upgrade initiative was designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by fostering credible, industry-driven research that benefits both sectors. She emphasised that PZ Cussons, as an industry leader, understands its operational challenges, which is why the state-of-the-art laboratory equipment donated will enhance students’ skills in conducting globally competitive research.
Amadiobi further noted that, despite the program’s success, PZ Cussons remains the only multinational company actively supporting it. She called on other corporations to emulate PZ Cussons’ commitment, ensuring that more Nigerian institutions benefit from upgraded research facilities.
She also commended the minister for his support of NOTAP and for encouraging such industry-academia collaborations, which she described as “crucial for advancing knowledge, particularly in STEM fields” across Nigeria.
Additionally, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya was praised for his enthusiasm in fast-tracking the commissioning of the upgraded laboratory and for the warm reception extended to the visiting team.
In his goodwill message, the managing director and CEO of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Mr. Dimitris Kostianis represented by the head of the corporate service and project African leadership team, Samson Moju reaffirmed the company’s dedication to advancing critical research in Nigeria.
He highlighted that PZ Cussons’ partnership with NOTAP goes beyond rhetoric, with the company actively involved in three major research-focused projects NOTAP-Industry Research Laboratory Upgrade (NIRLUP), NOTAP-Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship (NITTF) and Technology Storyboard Initiative
He assured stakeholders that PZ Cussons will continue to support knowledge institutions, ensuring that Nigerian researchers have access to world-class facilities that enhance their scientific output.
In his words of appreciation, the vice-chancellor expressed joy at the realisation of the institution’s long-held dream of having a modernised chemistry laboratory.
According to a statement released by Raymond Ogbu, NOTAP’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Ishaya noted that the upgraded laboratory played a crucial role during a recent accreditation exercise at the university. He revealed that when the accreditation team visited the institution to assess newly introduced courses, they approved all programmes based on the presence of the upgraded laboratory equipment.
Describing the partnership as a transformative experience, he emphasised that equipping research facilities in Nigerian universities will significantly improve academic performance, research quality and industry relevance.
The collaboration between NOTAP and PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc highlights the impact of strategic industry-academia partnerships in fostering scientific research and technological development. While the initiative has yielded remarkable results, there is a pressing need for more multinational companies to invest in research and development within Nigerian universities.
As the government continues to prioritise science, innovation and technology, expanding laboratory upgrade initiatives will be essential in positioning Nigeria as a global player in research-driven industrial development.
