Engineers urged to revitalise industries, halt import dependence

The Education and Research Sectoral Group of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChemE) has charged practitioners to assist in revitalising ailing industries and reducing dependence on imported goods and services in the country.

The Coordinator, Prof Funmilayo Osuolale gave the charge at the opening of the 2024 edition of the Nigeria Society of Chemical Engineers’ Education and Research Sectoral Group conference and workshop, themed: ‘Chemical Engineering and Entrepreneurial Mindset: Transferring Solutions from Research to Market.’

She explained that the country is at a precarious economic season that calls for concerted efforts from every stakeholder to come to its rescue.

Osuolale pointed out that engineers can no longer afford to only acquire knowledge and discover new things from research while keeping them on the shelves or at most publishing them in academic journals.

She said: “We need to translate such knowledge and discoveries to meet the needs of the society and for economic empowerment. We must engage in research that is global but with local content applications. Nigeria depends on us to revitalise our industries and reduce dependence on imported goods and services.

The Chairman, NSChE Education and Research Sectoral Group conference and workshop, Dr Ibrahim Muritala, disclosed that the forum was organised to address challenges facing Nigerian institutions of higher learning; the underutilisation of valuable research that has the potential to be transformed into viable businesses, innovative products, and impactful services.

He lamented that Nigeria’s vast pool of research ideas often remains untapped, with many breakthroughs confined to academic circles instead of being developed into market-ready solutions that can foster self-sufficiency and drive national growth.

“The conference seeks to inspire and equip researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the journey from lab to marketplace. The seasoned experts and renowned scholars shared their experiences and insights on translating research into profitable ventures.

“These industry leaders and academic professionals were able to provide practical guidance on the commercialisation process, including identifying market needs, developing business models, securing funding, and navigating regulatory landscapes,” he said.

According to him, participants were able to learn how to transform their research into scalable businesses that can address real-world problems, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic resilience. He added that the forum is not only about knowledge sharing, but igniting a movement where research fuels innovation, supports local industries, and helps position Nigeria as a leader in scientific and technological advancement.