UNIBEN, RMRDC Partner to Turn Research into Real-World Solutions for Manufacturers
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has entered into a partnership with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to bridge the widening gap between academic research and the practical needs of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
The university disclosed this collaboration in a statement released by its Public Relations and Protocol Unit, noting that the collaboration is designed to strengthen the use of local research and innovation in the production and development of raw materials.
It added that the goal is to make Nigeria’s manufacturing industries more competitive by commercializing research and fostering deeper connections between universities and industries.
A key part of this initiative is the creation of a Commercialization Desk at UNIBEN. This unit will focus on bringing academic research to life—transforming ideas and studies into products and services that manufacturers can actually use. It’s also expected to help attract funding from international organizations, development partners, and stakeholders who support innovation and entrepreneurship.
“This collaboration is expected to facilitate research and development on the raw materials value chain for the country’s manufacturing industries. It also includes the commercialization of research results on raw materials value chain for Nigerian universities and the enhancement of academia-industry synergy. Other goals are to source grants from development partners, international organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, as well as the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation,” the university noted in the official statement.
The move is part of Vice Chancellor Prof. Edoba Omoregie’s broader vision to align UNIBEN’s research with real-world industry needs, and it reflects his ongoing engagement with key stakeholders to push forward his administration’s five-point agenda.
Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) which operates under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, is well-known for championing local raw materials development and supporting industrial growth in Nigeria.
This partnership couldn’t come at a better time. Stakeholders in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector have long raised concerns about a major skills gap—one that continues to hinder productivity and economic growth. Many employers have found that the skills graduates possess often don’t match the demands of the labour market, especially in technical and practical roles.
In fact, companies in sectors like engineering and manufacturing sometimes resort to hiring foreign workers because of this gap.
According to the Lagos State Economic Development Update (2025), despite thousands of job openings in the city, many go unfilled due to a lack of suitably skilled candidates.
Programs like this partnership between UNIBEN and RMRDC represent a much-needed step toward aligning education with market needs. By commercializing research, encouraging innovation, and strengthening academia-industry ties, the collaboration holds the potential to reshape the future of manufacturing in Nigeria.
