TETFund Engineering group seeks to partner with IITA in delivering science technology
On 26 November, delegates from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Standing Committee for Research and Development (R&D) on Engineering visited IITA headquarters. The visit was to explore technology transfer mechanisms and strategies and IITA activities that involve engineering and mechanization to ensure that research impacts society through agricultural transformation.
The TETFund aims to identify available knowledge and research activities to provide R&D solutions to all aspects of the Nigerian economy. As part of establishing an R&D foundation by partnering with research institutes, the tertiary education sector, private sector, government, and development partners, the engineering team visited IITA. “TETFund aims to not only fund research but also innovation so that our research can go beyond the shelf,” said Prof Olufemi Bamiro, Chairman of the TETFund National Research Fund.
Kwesi Atta-Krah, IITA Director of Advocacy and Country Alignment Function, welcomed the group and introduced the activities of IITA. The group toured IITA engineering facilities to assist in identifying the areas of their interest for partnership. Visiting the Facility Management Service (FMS) and farm equipment office, Thierno Diallo, IITA Fabrication Consultant, and Peter Kolawale, IITA Postharvest Specialist, showcased various machines in the fabrication section and the mobile cassava processing plant. The group also visited the cassava processing unit where the cassava bread bakery is located. Finally, they toured the Aflasafe facility, a section of the IITA Business Incubation Platform (BIP). Lawrence Kaptoge, BIP General Technical Manager, and Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, IITA Plant Pathologist, showcased the Aflasafe product and equipment used for production.
At the end of the tour, the visiting group commended IITA’s technologies and environment. Prof Bamiro said, “We are really impressed with the technologies, and we see that IITA can be a major player in our project.”
Prof Danladi Matawal, Chairman of the visiting TETFund Standing Committee R&D on Engineering, also stated that the model of IITA is worthy of emulation. “Thanks to IITA for maintaining an environment that is conducive for, and supports research,” he added.
Concluding the visit, Atta-Krah appreciated the team for visiting and stated how pleased IITA is with the group. “We look forward to updates of the decision your team would make from this visit, and feedback for the next steps. You can count on IITA for partnership in this area,” he said.
Prof Olufemi Bamiro, Chairman of the TETFund National Research Fund, communicating the purpose of the visit.
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