Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN), has commended the management of Projects Development Institute (PRODA) in Enugu State, led by Dr Peter Ogbobe, for restoring the institute's research and creative ingenuity.
Transformation from Petition Writers to Research Writers
During a tour of the institute, Udeh praised the Ogbobe-led management for transforming PRODA from a place of petition writers to research writers. He emphasised that the federal government is eager to see the institute's outputs contribute to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“You have relegated their militancy to the background and brought out their energy to do the work. You have converted their petition writing to research writings. That is very good because there’s a level of progress and change being witnessed in this Institute,” the Minister stated.
Commitment to Commercialisation
Udeh assured the management and staff that all Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) aimed at facilitating the commercialisation of research outputs are receiving attention. He promised to do his best to ensure the total restoration of PRODA to its original mandate.
“We want to move PRODA from what it is into being a hub for market-ready products to contribute to the GDP of Nigeria. We are not yet there. We need the support of everyone. Once PRODA is growing, all of us will grow. President Bola Tinubu’s mandate about this Institute is very clear. It is part of his renewed hope agenda which we have keyed into. Now that we have restored the research ingenuity, the next thing is to ensure that we commercialise our outputs. I assure you that this is receiving attention,” he said.
Energise Commercialisation Initiative
The Minister noted that the launch of the Energise commercialisation initiative last month was aimed at transforming innovative ideas into market-ready products and services. He stressed that it is part of the government’s commitment to unlocking the nation’s innovation potentials and driving economic growth through research and development.
He assured that the programme would be replicated in other zones of the country, urging PRODA staff to join hands to help the government realise its vision in the sector.
“The renewed hope agenda is not a cliche, it is a reality. We are marching to reform Nigeria. The assurance I would give is that I will do my best to ensure that you get what is due to you. We will work together,” he assured.
PRODA's Achievements and Challenges
Earlier, Dr Peter Ogbobe informed the Minister that PRODA has continued to drive applied research, engineering development, fabrication, and technology transfer aimed at promoting indigenous industrial growth and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
Ogbobe said PRODA has successfully developed and commercialised several agro-processing machines, renewable energy technologies, lithium-ion battery initiatives, and other indigenous innovations tailored towards solving local problems and advancing national development.
He added that PRODA is strategically positioned to contribute to Nigeria’s industrialisation, but noted the need for sustained funding, modernisation of infrastructure, manpower development, commercialisation of research outputs, and passage of the new PRODA establishment bill currently awaiting Presidential assent.
As part of efforts to encourage commercialisation and domestication of its research, liaison offices are being developed across the six regions of the country.
Workers' Unions Express Satisfaction
The three workers' unions in the institute expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment shown by the Ogbobe leadership, which has transformed into peace and improved productivity. They urged the Minister to continue supporting him.
