Niger Delta varsity partners NBRDA to advance research

The Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University (NDU), Professor Allen Agih, has initiated discussions with the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) to explore collaborative opportunities aimed at driving impactful research, innovation, and national development.

During a recent visit to NBRDA headquarters in Abuja, Professor Agih emphasised the importance of partnerships between academic institutions and research agencies in addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

He proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable joint research, capacity building, and commercialisation of innovations.

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“This year marks NDU’s 25th anniversary. While we have made significant strides in academics, there is now a renewed focus on enhancing our research capabilities to better serve the Niger Delta region and contribute meaningfully to national progress,” Agih stated.

He commended NBRDA’s pivotal role in leveraging biotechnology to solve critical problems and expressed optimism about the mutual benefits of the proposed collaboration.

NDU’s Director of Research and Development, Dr. Engr. Lucky Bebeteidoh underscored the value of partnering with NBRDA, particularly its Bioresources Development Centre in Odi, Bayelsa State. He noted that the collaboration would grant the university access to NBRDA’s various research centres across Nigeria, facilitating knowledge exchange, innovation, and economic growth.

Welcoming the delegation, NBRDA’s Director General, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, expressed support for the initiative. He affirmed the agency’s readiness to assign experts from relevant technical departments to work with NDU’s proposed research team and priority areas.

“This partnership will catalyse innovative solutions, accelerate research, and drive sustainable development across the country,” Mustapha said.

The MoU is expected to be finalised soon, laying the groundwork for collaborative projects that will empower researchers and students, and support Nigeria’s knowledge-based economy.

The NDU delegation also included the Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Emmanuel Amaegbe.