FUPRE, MAN sign pact to boost manufacturing sector

Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun , Delta State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to develop technologies to boost the nation’s industrial sector.

The pact seeks to provide research support by developing solutions with adaptive research-based projects to support local production and manufacturing, while empowering MAN with the opportunity to sponsor or donate grants towards ongoing research, to promote local manufacturing.

The collaboration, according to the partners, includes joint establishment of FUPRE/MAN Industrial Park for research activities, promotion of indigenous manufacturing technologies, optimising pilot plants, indigenous innovations, startups and commercialization.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUPRE, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, who hosted officials of MAN and other university officials, said the university has made breakthroughs in research and development, securing over 20 patents that are awaiting commercialisation.

According to him, FUPRE is a fertile ground for a win-win partnership and the institution is on the quest to initiate and deepen collaboration with industry players for enhanced socio-economic transformation.

The vice chancellor said the university is prepared to bring its wealth of research experience and innovations to the table and assured the MAN team of firsthand assessment of its inventions.

The Director-General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi Kadir, who spoke on behalf of the executive team, affirmed MAN’s willingness to collaborate with the university, saying the MoU will enable the two organisations to synergise and leverage both the academic capacities and industrial experience for the benefit of Nigeria in particular and across the African continent.

Ajayi stressed that global market space is skewed against African manufacturers in so many ways, saying: “There is need for us to seek partnerships as Nigeria remains the best country to lead Africa, since MAN as an organisation leads African manufacturers.”

The Director-General of MAN said: “In spite of obvious constraints of security, electricity, foreign exchange and high cost of raw materials and other changes, MAN is working through collaborations and partnerships to improve production and export of finished goods.”

The partnership also seeks to explore the possibility of engaging a minimum of five academic staff on a one-year industry sabbatical experience to gain industry experience for better teaching and research, and a minimum of 10 students on industrial attachment for six months on a yearly basis for acquisition of practical industry skills, while creating awareness on novel inventions, manufacturing sector designs, among others, via workshops, seminars, symposiums and trainings.