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A former National President of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, Engr John Erinne, has said that no nation can develop without due attention to research and development.
Erinne noted that chemical engineering and its associated new technologies are poised to solve societal problems and ultimately bring about industrial development.
Speaking recently at the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers Education and Research Sectoral Group’s three-day Mini-Conference and Workshop held in Lagos, Erinne asserted that Nigeria cannot truly build a competitive economy without the government’s deliberate investment in research and development by the industry.
He said, “Problem-solving research and development in Nigeria is imperative, adding that there is a compelling need to deploy new technologies to deliver solutions to societal needs, industrial advancement, and economic development.
“To boost Nigeria’s socio-economic development, chemical engineers must transition from the lab to the market by turning their innovations into viable products and services. Engineering associations and think tanks should focus on cultivating entrepreneurial, innovative, and skilled chemical, wealth creation, and societal progress engineers capable of driving employment.
“Moving research from lab to market requires an entrepreneurial approach, understanding market needs, and developing business models, ultimately positioning engineers as key drivers of economic growth.”
In the same vein, the Coordinator of the Education and Research Sectoral Group, Engr. Funmilayo Osuolale stated that Nigeria can no longer afford only to acquire knowledge and discover new things from research while “keeping them on the shelves”.
She said, “We need to translate such knowledge and discoveries to meet the needs of society and for economic empowerment. We must actively seek to engage in global research but with local content applications.
“Nigeria depends on us to revitalise our industries and reduce dependence on importation of goods and services.”
In his speech, one of the speakers and a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Ayo Kuye, asserted that chemical engineers should be well-trained in marketing skills and market analysis.
He said, “This event is not just about knowledge sharing. It is about igniting a movement where research fuels innovation, supports local industries, and helps position Nigeria as a leader in scientific and technological advancement.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the NSChE National President, Engr. Anthony Ogbuigwe stated that the event was organised to address a pressing challenge facing Nigerian institutions, hence the importance of the programme.
Ogbuiwe also stated that research in chemical engineering requires adequate funding backed by appropriate policy instruments.
He said, “The event was organised to address a pressing challenge 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.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NSChE and RSG mini-conference, Engr. Ibrahim Muritala stated that seasoned experts and renowned scholars were brought together to share their experiences and insights on translating research into profitable ventures.
He said, “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.
“Through interactive sessions and workshops, participants learned how to transform their research into scalable businesses that can address real-world problems, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic resilience.”
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