By Julian Chinyere Osamoto
The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, has been elected Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Representative on the board of the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organisations (WAITRO).
A statement by Nnamdi-Anum
Director, Directorate of Corporate Affairs
RMRDC, says he secured the position at the WAITRO Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, running from October 26 to 28, 2026.
Professor Ike-Muonso contested against Professor Wellington Riach Liamba Masamba, Vice-Chancellor of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as Professor Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, Vice-Chancellor of Abdulkadir Kure University in Nigeria.
The election gives Nigeria representation on the board of an international organisation that promotes collaboration among industrial and technological research institutions.
WAITRO provides a platform for research organisations, universities and industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge, develop technologies and build partnerships to address industrial and development challenges.
Professor Ike-Muonso’s election comes as the RMRDC pursues initiatives to promote the use of indigenous raw materials, commercialise research findings and strengthen links between research institutions and manufacturers.
The council has also been working to encourage local processing and value addition to raw materials as part of efforts to support Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
His new position is expected to provide an opportunity to promote African research priorities, facilitate technology transfer and strengthen partnerships between research institutions and industry across the region.
The WAITRO Summit brings together research organisations, universities, industry leaders, policymakers and innovation partners to discuss collaboration in research, technology and sustainable development.
