Nigeria wins Sub-Saharan Africa seat on global research board

The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, has been elected as the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Representative on the Board of the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organisations (WAITRO).

Ike-Muonso emerged as the winner at the WAITRO Summit held in Istanbul, Türkiye from October 26 to 28, 2026.

He defeated Prof. Wellington Riach Liamba Masamba, Vice-Chancellor of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Prof. Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, Vice-Chancellor of Abdulkadir Kure University, Nigeria.

WAITRO is an international association of industrial and technological research organisations established in 1970 under the auspices of the United Nations.

It provides a platform for research institutions, universities and industry stakeholders to collaborate, exchange knowledge and develop innovative solutions to global challenges.

The organisation brings together research and technology institutions to promote partnerships, knowledge exchange and the application of scientific research to industrial and economic development.

His election gives Nigeria a stronger voice in the international research and technology community and provides an opportunity to influence discussions on scientific research, technology transfer, innovation and industrial development across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The RMRDC, in a statement by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Nnamdi-Anum, described the “election as a significant milestone for Nigeria and the council.”

According to the statement: “Ike-Muonso’s emergence presents an opportunity to advance African research priorities, strengthen international partnerships and promote the application of research findings to industrial development.

“His emergence as the successful candidate presents an important opportunity to advance African research priorities, strengthen international partnerships and promote the application of research and technological innovations to industrial development across the continent.”

The council expressed optimism that his membership of the board would provide a platform to promote collaboration among African research institutions, facilitate technology transfer and encourage knowledge sharing to address the continent’s industrial and economic challenges.

It added that the development would strengthen Africa’s participation in global conversations on scientific research, technological innovation and sustainable industrial transformation.