• Ike-Muonso’s election strengthens Nigeria’s voice in global research, technology and industrial innovation
By | Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, has won the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Representative seat on the Board of the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organisations (WAITRO) in a landslide victory at the organisation’s summit in Istanbul, Türkiye.
His election, announced during the WAITRO Summit 2026, holding from October 26 to 28, marks a significant achievement for Nigeria and its efforts to strengthen its presence in the global research, technology and innovation community.
Ike-Muonso contested the position against two distinguished academics: Prof. Wellington Riach Liamba Masamba, Vice-Chancellor of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), Botswana, and Prof. Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, Vice-Chancellor of Abdulkadir Kure University (AKUM), Nigeria.
His emergence is expected to provide a strategic platform for advancing African research priorities, strengthening international partnerships and promoting the application of scientific discoveries and technological innovations to industrial development across the continent.
WAITRO is a global association of industrial and technological research organisations that promotes collaboration, knowledge exchange and partnerships among research institutions, universities, industries and innovation stakeholders.
Through its governance structure, the organisation provides regional representatives with opportunities to contribute to international research and technology development initiatives.
Ike-Muonso’s election comes amid RMRDC’s continued efforts to promote research-driven industrialisation, indigenous raw materials development, value addition, technology commercialisation and strategic partnerships with local and international institutions.
Under his leadership, the Council has pursued initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between research institutions and industry, commercialising research findings, promoting local processing of raw materials and supporting the development of a competitive manufacturing sector in Nigeria.
The Council’s engagement with international research and technology organisations reflects its commitment to leveraging global expertise to advance Nigeria’s industrial development agenda.
His new position on the WAITRO Board is expected to strengthen collaboration among African research institutions, facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing, and encourage innovative solutions to the continent’s industrial and economic challenges.
For Nigeria and the wider Sub-Saharan African region, the development presents an opportunity to deepen participation in international discussions on scientific research, technological innovation and sustainable industrial transformation.
The WAITRO Summit 2026 brings together research and technology organisations, universities, industry leaders, policymakers and innovation partners to explore collaborative approaches to research, innovation and sustainable development.
Ike-Muonso’s emergence is a notable milestone for RMRDC and Nigeria, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in building indigenous technological capacity, promoting raw materials value addition and accelerating sustainable industrial growth.
The Council has reaffirmed its commitment to partnerships that translate research and innovation into practical industrial applications, create economic opportunities and contribute to Nigeria’s broader development objectives.
The announcement was signed by Mrs. Nnamdi-Anum, Director of the Directorate of Corporate Affairs, RMRDC.
