Nigeria’s Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Director-General, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, has been elected to the board of the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organisations (WAITRO), in a move expected to strengthen Africa’s voice in global research and technology discussions.
The development was announced in a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs of RMRDC, Mrs Nnamdi-Anum.
Ike-Muonso was elected as the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Representative during the organisation’s summit in Istanbul, Türkiye.
He contested for the position alongside Prof. Wellington Riach Liamba Masamba of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Prof. Mohammed Aliyu Paiko of Abdulkadir Kure University, Nigeria.
His election gives Nigeria a place on the board of the international organisation, which promotes cooperation among institutions involved in industrial and technological research.
According to the statement, WAITRO provides a platform for research organisations to share knowledge, build partnerships and find practical ways to apply research to industrial challenges.
The development is particularly significant for Africa, where concerns remain over the limited conversion of scientific research into products and solutions that can drive local industries.
Despite the continent’s rich natural resources and growing research capacity, many African countries still struggle to turn scientific discoveries and raw materials into commercially viable products that can support industrial growth and economic diversification.
Ike-Muonso’s new role is expected to involve representing Sub-Saharan Africa in the organisation’s activities and contributing to discussions on research collaboration, technology transfer and industrial development.
